Term
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Definition
| predominant discomfort experienced during the first stage of labor related to changes in the cervix, distention of the lower uterine segment, and uterine ischemia. It is slow, deep, poorly localized pain that occurs over the lower abdomen. Usually a dull, aching pain. |
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Definition
| pain that originates in uterus and then radiates to the abdominal wall, lumbosacral are of the bac, iliac crests, gluteus maximus, and down the thighs. Usually only felt with contractions but not always. |
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Definition
| faster, well localized intense, sharp, burngn, prickling pain, occurs drign the second stage of labor. Associated with stretching and distention of the perineal body to allow for birth. Also related to distention and traction placed on the peritoneum and uterocervical supportive tissue during contractions and can result from soft tissue lacerations that frequently occur in the cervix, vagina, or perineum. Also felt during "pushing" stage of labor. |
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Term
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Definition
| endogenous opioids secreted by pituitary glad. Act as opiates and produce analgesia by binding at opiate receptor sites involved in pain perception. |
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Term
| Gate-Control Theory of pain control |
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Definition
| pain sensations travel along sensory nerve pathways to the brain--but only a certain number of sensations can pass through the nerve pathways at one time. Methods of distraction during labor/delivery can block the capacity of the nerve pathways to transmit pain. |
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Definition
| "To touch lightly." A gentle stroking technique performed in rhythm with contractions. Massage the abdomen using light circular motions. |
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Definition
| Labor support person's fist or heel of the hand to apply steady pressure to te sacral area. Especially helpful for back labor. |
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Definition
| Based on the use of "prana," or the body's energy fields. Laying-on of hands technique to redirect energy fields thought to be associated with the pain. |
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Definition
| Also based on use of body's energy fields. Employs a combination of techniques from multiple disciplines. Enhances the body's ability to heal itself. |
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Definition
| Water therapy. Warm water for comfort and relaxation. |
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| A structured technique that enables the patietn to achieve a state of heightened awareness adn focused concentration that can be used to alter the perception of pain. |
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Definition
| The use of essential oils whose aroma is thought to have a therapeutic effect in treating illnesses and promoting health and well-being. |
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| Based on the concept that the mind controls he body: if one can recognize the physical signals, certain internal physiological events can be changed. |
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Definition
| transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation applied to skin over painful region of a peripheral nerve. TENS relieves pain by producing counterirritation on the nociceptors. |
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Definition
| "chinese massage." application of pressure, or heat or cold, to identified acupuncture points to decrease sensation of pain. |
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Definition
| Based on the theory that illness results from an imbalance of energy. Involves insertion of fine, sterile, stainless steel needles into specific points in the body to control the flow of "chi," or life energy. |
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Definition
| relief, to some degree, of pain |
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Definition
| Partial or complete loss of sensation without the loss of consciousness. |
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Definition
| temporary and reversible loss of sensation produced by injection of an anesthetic agent (a local anesthetic) into an area that brings medication into direct contact with nervous tissue. |
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Definition
| Natural numbing effect caused by pressureof the fetal head against the woman's stretched perineum. |
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