Knowledge, perception, and desire for pain relief in labor among Iranian pregnant women

Abstract Background: One way to promote vaginal delivery and reduce unnecessary cesarean section, is by paying attention to labor pain relief techniques. The aim was to investigate knowledge, perceptions, and desire for pain relief in labor among Iranian pregnant women Methods: This descriptive study was conducted on 325 pregnant women who referred to prenatal clinics in 2020 and met the inclusion criteria. Data were collected using a researcher-made questionnaire on painless delivery. Data analysis was performed using SPSS v.21. Results: Most of the respondents (74%) were between 20-29 years old. 19.69% of participants were nulliparous and 62.76% had diplomas.72% were housewives. 56.61% of the participants had not enough information about pain relief in labor. Only 14 people of whom had information, (9.92%) desired to experience pain relief in labor. Many of the respondents 90.76% were worried about the effects of pain relief on their unborn. 44.68% of participants, who had information about pain relief in labor; got their information regarding pain relief in labor through Internet sources. Conclusions:Due to the low level of awareness of pregnant women to use painless delivery and labor pain relief techniques, it is recommended that the necessary measures be taken in order to increase women’s knowledge of the benefits and limitations of painless delivery.