An audit on perineal pain felt following childbirth: level of pain experienced and degree of analgesia used

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Perineal pain is a common symptom following vaginal childbirth. Reducing of the degree of pain experienced has been shown to improve maternal wellbeing and normal functioning within the family. METHODS: We performed the audit in the professorial ward of the Colombo North Teaching Hospital. Participants perception of pain was assessed using a verbal numeric rating scale. RESULT: All participants had experienced some degree of perineal pain. However significantly reduced levels of pain were experienced in those who had received analgesia. CONCLUSION: Perineal pain is a common symptom among women following childbirth. However such pain can be significantly reduced with appropriate interventions