Effects of Low Back Pain During The First Stage of Labor on Maternal Birth Satisfaction: A Cross Sectional Study

Abstract

Objectives: Low back pain during labor may occur independently of uterine contractions and may continue without interruption during the labour process. In this study, the characteristics of this pain and its effects on birth satisfaction were evaluated. Material and Methods: The study was a cross-sectional study with recurrent measurements and consisted of women in the first stage of labor. Low-risk pregnant women in labor (n=300) were included in the study. Low back pain was repeatedly measured at the different phases of the first stage of the labor. The frequency and severity of low back pain, factors related to low back pain, and the effects of pain on maternal satisfaction were evaluated. Descriptive statistics, One-way ANOVA, Cochran's Q test, Logistic regression were used to evaluate the data. Results: The prevalence of low back pain in latent, active, and transitional phases were 38.6%, 60%, and 56.6% respectively. Mean pain score statistically, significantly increased from latent phase to active phase. Weight gain in pregnancy heightened body mass index, occiput posterior presentation, and dysmenorrhea was found to be related factors in low back pain. Maternal satisfaction scores were significantly higher in women without low back pain. Conclusion: Low back pain during labor is often overlooked. This study demonstrated the high frequency of low back pain during labor and its negative effects on birth satisfaction. Especially women with occiput posterior presentation, women with high body mass index and dysmenorrhea are at increased risk.