Introduction: Childbirth pain is unlike other acute or chronic pain, something completely
physiological and the most basic human experience. Every woman perceives and
experiences childbirth pain differently. Experiencing the intensity of pain is not the same as
experiencing the discomfort of pain. Childbirth is in itself a complex process and the
experience of pain in women is also conditioned by factors from her life and support during
childbirth. Purpose: The purpose of the diploma thesis is to present labour pain with the
help of a literature review and to investigate the experience of labour pain in women during
childbirth and to identify factors that affect the birth experience. Methods: We use a
descriptive method of work with a review of scientific and professional literature on the topic
of childbirth pain, and the experience of childbirth and childbirth pain from the perspective
of women. We limited the search for literature to ten years, between 2012 and 2022. We
searched the literature in various databases: MEDLINE, PubMed, Science Direct, CINAHL
and Google Scholar. To answer the research questions, we prepared a systematic review of
the literature, which was evaluated on a four-point scale according to the strength of the
evidence. Results: 11 sources were included in the final content analysis. The results show
that the experience of childbirth and childbirth pain is influenced by a woman's preparation
for childbirth, her perception before the birth and what importance she gives to this pain.
Women who had positive expectations about childbirth, experienced childbirth more
positively, tolerated labour pain more easily and followed the midwife’s instructions.
Women who had a severe fear of childbirth found the pain more difficult to tolerate and
more often asked for pharmacological pain relief. The positive or negative experience of
childbirth is influenced by a woman’s internal and external environmental factors. The most
important factor is the attitude of health professionals, as well as the involvement of women
in decision-making regarding treatment during childbirth, and the presence of a partner.
Discussion and conclusion: Prenatal preparation and education of women about the course
of childbirth is important. Women who had a lot of information before childbirth found it
easier to tolerate childbirth pain and had a better birth experience. Healthcare professionals
can have a significant impact on the experience of childbirth by having a positive attitude
towards women and by taking into account her wishes regarding childbirth.
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