To help patients manage discomfort and pain during labor, nurses should be aware that:

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The predominant pain of the first stage of labor is visceral pain located in the lower portion of the abdomen, which is caused by the uterus contracting and stretching the cervix. Referred pain, which is felt between contractions, is a characteristic of the second stage of labor. The somatic pain of the second stage of labor is more intense and localized to the perineal area. Pain during the third stage of labor is associated with the delivery of the placenta, and it can be mild or severe depending on the individual.

To Help Patients Manage Discomfort and Pain During Labor, Nurses