DIFFERENCES IN 1ST AND 2ND STAGE LABOR PAIN BETWEEN NULLIPAROUS AND MULTIPAROUS WOMEN

This descriptive clinical study investigated differences in pain reported during four phases of labor by nulliparous as compared to multiparous parturients. Sixty-five nulliparas and 100 multiparas participated by responding to the Short-form McGill Pain Questionnaire during early (0-3 cm), active (4-7 cm), transitional (8-10 cm), or second stage labor. Sensory pain was significantly greater in nulliparous than multiparous women during early and active labor, and significantly less during second stage. Significantly higher affective pain scores were reported by nulliparas during active and transitional labor with no differences by parity identified for early or second stage labor. These preliminary findings are interpreted in relationship to clinical and theoretical differences in the physiology and psychology of labor for first-time as compared to veteran parturients.