Labor Pain in Women With and Without Severe Fear of Childbirth: A Population-based, Longitudinal Study

(Birth. 2018;45:469–477) It has been suggested that antenatal fear regarding labor pain can alter patient pain thresholds. In particular, a severe fear of childbirth can cause the release of catecholamines that enervate uterine contractility and alter nociceptive receptors, resulting in augmented pain perception and prolonged labor. However, current literature lacks prospective population-based studies that investigate the link between fear of childbirth and degree of experienced labor pain. The aim of the present study thereby was to investigate the association between severe fear of childbirth and pain perceptions during labor, as well as to identify potential maternal and neonatal risk factors.
Source: Obstetric Anesthesia Digest - Category: Anesthesiology Tags: Mother, Fetus, Neonate Source Type: research