Pain perception and satisfaction of postpartum women: a comparative study after vaginal and caesarean birth in Aracaju public hospitals

Abstract

Introduction: In addition to the quality of care, physical structure and access to health services, a humanized care during birth process should reflect on the women’s experience of pain and satisfaction. Objective: To compare the satisfaction and perception of pain experienced by women during vaginal and cesarean delivery processes. Methods: Descriptive cross-sectional study involving women in the immediate postpartum period. The modified “Experience and Satisfaction with Childbirth Questionnaire” (“Questionário de Experiência e Satisfação com o Parto” – QESP), the short version of “McGill pain questionnaire” and the “female body representation scheme” were used. Results: 150 postpartum women were interviewed. After cesarean section demonstrated more satisfaction regarding the way the labor (LB) was carried out (p=0.01) and less satisfaction with pain in the postpartum period (PP) (p=0.04). Those submitted to vaginal delivery were more satisfied with their PP (p=0.02) and less satisfied with the intensity of pain during LB (p=0.03) and at birth (B) (p=0.01). The pain described during LB and B were “acute” and “cruel-punitive”. In relation to PP, pain in the lower belly was more often reported after cesarean sections. Pain intensity during LB was significantly higher in vaginal labor (7,30 (±2,82) versus 5,86 (±3,51), (p=0,007). Conclusion: The perform cesarean sections were more satisfied with the way LB was carried out and less satisfied in relation to pain in the PP. Women who underwent vaginal labor were more satisfied with the PP and less satisfied with the intensity of pain during LB and at B.