References
An evaluation of intrapartum pain relief used by Black African and White British women
Abstract
Background/Aims
In the UK, women and neonates from ethnic minority groups are more likely to experience poor outcomes. Ineffective pain relief for Black women may contribute to disparities in outcomes. This study's aim was to evaluate methods of intrapartum pain relief accessed by Black African and White British women.
Methods
This evaluation gathered data from Black African (n=7) and White British (n=40) women's intrapartum records at a hospital in Birmingham. Data were analysed descriptively.
Results
White British women used more pharmacological and non-pharmacological methods of pain relief and accessed water immersion. When a single method of pain relief was used, White British women were more likely to use epidural analgesia, whereas Black African women were most likely to use Entonox.
Conclusions
This study highlights the need for further research to understand the differences between Black African and White British women's use of pain relief during labour and birth.
Implications for practice
By summarising the provision of intrapartum pain relief across Black African and White British groups, this study aids both professional reflection and insight into why identifying women's specific ethnic group in policy, practice and research may improve understanding of ethnic disparities.
The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (2023) recommends that midwives in the UK communicate with women about their pain relief options for labour and birth in the antenatal period to support choices for pharmacological and non-pharmacological methods for all women. This is important because dissatisfaction with birth experience, development of postnatal depression and tokophobia (a pathological fear of pregnancy and childbirth) are associated with women's perceptions of pain during labour (Pietrzak et al, 2022; 2023).
Pain experienced during labour is a physiological symptom, but its perception is also influenced by social and psychological factors (Whitburn et al, 2017). Whitburn et al (2017) explored how the social environment and other contextual factors influenced women's experiences of labour and birth pain. They found that positive or negative perceptions about social support from caregivers influenced women's psychological experiences of pain and the need for pain relief. Whitburn et al (2017) concluded that efforts to empower women to view their pain in non-threatening ways and providing supportive care that is individualised and sensitive to the psychological processing of pain can improve experiences of labour and birth pain.
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