Birth
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Comparative Study
Expectant parents' experience with fatigue and sleep during pregnancy.
Although both expectant mothers and expectant fathers complain of fatigue during the last trimester of pregnancy, studies have focused exclusively on mothers. This pilot study examined parents' levels of morning or evening fatigue, number of uninterrupted sleep periods and length of sleep during the last trimester of pregnancy; and the relationship of sleep to parents' reports of fatigue. ⋯ These findings support the multidimensional nature of fatigue and indicate a need for perinatal health caregivers to develop individualized interventions for mothers during the last trimester of pregnancy. Fathers should also participate in future research of factors influencing the prenatal and postpartum experience.
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Intrapartum epidural analgesia has become increasingly popular because it is the most effective method of providing pain relief during labor. Much attention is given to its safety and efficacy, and many health care providers and consumers are unaware of its potential drawbacks. This article reviews the literature about the effects of epidural analgesia on the mother and infant. ⋯ Epidural analgesia is a safe and effective method of relieving pain in labor, but is associated with longer labor, more operative intervention, and increases in cost. It must remain an option; however, caregivers and consumers should be aware of associated risks. Women should be counseled about these risks and other pain-relieving options before the duress of labor.
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Many simple, effective, low-cost methods to relieve labor pain can be initiated by nurses, midwives, or physicians with the potential benefits of improved labor progress, reduction in use of riskier medications, patient satisfaction, and lower costs. These nonpharmacologic methods are categorized by the mechanisms through which they reduce pain or improve labor progress: diminishing the painful stimulus at the source; providing alternate stimuli to inhibit pain awareness; and reducing the woman's negative reaction to the pain. This is a review of numerous pain relief techniques and a guide for maternity caregivers.