Women's experiences of perineal pain following normal vaginal deliveries.

Abstract

This study explored women's experiences of perineal pain at ten days post normal childbirth and its effect on maternal physical health. This research sought to meet four objectives. It evaluated mothers' experiences of perineal pain, enquired how perineal pain interfered with their daily activities, assessed perineal pain when associated with parity and type of trauma, and identified which pain relief methods were used. A descriptive, quantitative design by self-administered questionnaires was adopted by the researcher. Questionnaires were distributed to forty mothers in the local general hospital, recruited by convenience sampling. A response rate of 80% was obtained. Data gathered was analysed manually, using descriptive statistics and content analysis. Results compare to existing literature, in that perineal pain was common and interfered negatively with early motherhood. However, it was considered as a normal process following a vaginal delivery and was mostly unreported. Perineal trauma and episiotomies were common in primiparous women and with the delivery of large babies. Moreover, perineal trauma was shown to increase perineal pain intensity. Trauma led to perineal suturing and sutures were shown to be of discomfort to most mothers, at ten days postpartum. Mothers were not prepared antenatally about the pain they would be feeling in their perineum and insufficient pain relief was taken. A main limitation of the study is that findings cannot be generalizable due to the small sample size involved. Main recommendations include the avoidance of episiotomy unless really indicated, local midwives should be trained for perineal repair, and mothers should be prepared on the reality of postpartum perineal pain together with the available pain relief. Further research in perineal pain identification and management is essential.