The Perception of Labour Pain and Willingness to Use Labour Pain Relief Among Pregnant Women Attending the Antenatal Clinic at the University College Hospital, Ibadan
Keywords:
Labour pain, Labour analgesia, Perception, Willingness, Pregnant women, Antenatal careAbstract
Background Labour pain remains one of the most intense forms of physiological pain and its management is central to achieving a positive childbirth experience. This study assessed the perception of labour pain and willingness to use labour pain relief among pregnant women attending the antenatal clinic at the University College Hospital, Ibadan. Methodology A descriptive cross-sectional design was employed, and data were collected from 311 pregnant women using a validated, interviewer-administered questionnaire. Data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics, including Chi-square and Fisher’s exact tests, with significance set at p < 0.05. Result Findings showed that respondents were largely within the reproductive ages of 26–35 years and predominantly married and educated. Perception of labour pain was generally high, as 91.6% acknowledged labour pain as an inevitable part of childbirth. Although 62.4% demonstrated good perception of pain relief, persistent misconceptions were noted, including fears that analgesia could prolong labour (35.4%) or harm the baby (28.9%). More than half of the respondents (57.6%) expressed willingness to use labour pain relief, with non-pharmacological methods such as breathing exercises (72.6%), massage (63.1%), and companionship (59.2%) being preferred. Willingness to use pharmacological methods was lower, with only 28.5% willing to use epidural and 18.4% willing to use opioids. Educational level (p = 0.011) and parity (p = 0.036) showed significant associations with willingness, while age and religion did not. Conclusion The study concludes that although awareness of labour pain is high and willingness exists, misconceptions, cultural beliefs, inadequate counselling, and cost barriers limit acceptance of pharmacological analgesia. Strengthening antenatal education, improving provider training, and enhancing the availability and affordability of pain relief options are recommended to support evidence-based labour pain management.
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