Perineal pain measurement in the immediate vaginal postpartum period

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Postpartum is a period where there are physiological changes in women’s body, and most of them suffer perineal trauma during the expulsion period, which may induce perineal pain and is considered the most common cause of postpartum morbidity. This study aimed at measuring perineal pain in the immediate vaginal postpartum period and the possible association with its risk factors. METHODS: Participated in the study 147 vaginal postpartum women in the period from September 2013 to May 2014. Data collection tools were personal data files, socio-demographic and clinical characteristics, McGill Pain Questionnaire and pain numerical scale. RESULTS: From all evaluated women, 76 (51.7%) reported pain in the immediate postpartum period. Among respondents with pain, 51 (67.1%) were primiparous, 71 (93.4%) had suffered some perineal trauma, 55 (72.3%) had babies weighing above 3 kg, and 41 (53.9%) were above 21 years of age. Mc Gill Pain Questionnaire sensory characteristics were the most commonly mentioned and pain was associated to episiotomy (p=0.002) and laceration (p=0.039). There has also been significant association between pain and parity (p=0.028). CONCLUSION: Pain was present in more than half the studied population, showing an association with variable parity and perineal trauma.