• Z Taghizdeh, A Ebadi, M Dehghani, M Gharacheh, and P Yadollahi.
• Department of Reproductive Health, Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery, Tehran University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran.
• Women Birth. 2017 Dec 1; 30 (6): 491-496.

BackgroundThe description of women's experiences of childbirth improves our understandings of the nature of childbirth, women's suffering and pain during childbirth.AimThis study aimed to explore women's experiences of pain during childbirth.MethodA qualitative study was conducted using a conventional content analysis method proposed by Graneheim and Lundman (2004). In-depth face to face semi-structured interviews were held with 17 women who met inclusion criteria for participation in this study.FindingsThe women's experiences of pain during childbirth was described as 'a time for psycho-spiritual transcendence'. Categories developed during the data analysis were 'conflicting emotions towards pain', 'new insight towards labor pain', 'self-actualization' and 'spiritual development'.ConclusionMost participants had positive experiences and attitudes towards pain during childbirth influenced by cultural, context and religious factors. According to this study, 'transcendental progression' was an eminent feeling that created positive inner feelings along with self-actualization in women. This provides a new insight on labor pain and helps healthcare providers understand the effect of pain during childbirth on women's spiritual, mental and psychological needs.Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

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