Awareness of labour analgesia among antenatal women in semi urban area

Background: Women’s experience of pain during delivery varies greatly. Various pharmacological and non- pharmacological methods of labour analgesia are available. In spite of availability of various methods, even now women deliver with severe pain without adequate pain relief. The aim of the study was to determine the awareness of pregnant women about labour analgesia in semi urban setting.Methods: This cross sectional study was done among 256 pregnant women attending antenatal out-patient in obstetrics and gynecology department. Antenatal women who were planned for elective cesarean section were excluded from the study.Results: Out of 256 women 89.8% had no idea about usage of pain relief in labour. Only 10.2% had some idea about pain relief in labour. In previous delivery, 38.9% experienced severe pain, 58.4% experienced moderate pain and only 2.7% experienced mild pain. Some form of analgesia was administered to 89.9% of women. In spite of analgesia being given for majority, more number of women experienced moderate and severe pain (97.3%). On analyzing various factors, order of pregnancy, income and occupational status had statistically significant influence on knowledge about labour analgesia.Conclusions: There is a lack of knowledge among pregnant women about pain relief. Due to hectic work in labour room setting in India, it may be difficult to provide one to one care. Non-pharmacological methods should be popularized for pain relief. Usage of some form of pain relief will help in improving quality of care during labour and better outcome of mother and baby.