The Attitudes and Behaviors of Pregnant Women about Labor Anesthesia

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study is to analyze pregnant women’s knowledge, attitude, and behavior toward labor analgesia.

Methods: Between March 2011 and December 2011, 533 pregnant women who visited an antenatal clinic were administered a survey that measured their attitude, behavior, and knowledge about labor analgesia.

Results: There was no difference between age, pregnancy week, and desire for labor analgesia, but there was a significant difference between the number of pregnancies and desire for labor analgesia. Women who did not want labor analgesia had more pregnancies, births, and children and a large household. Women who desired labor analgesia had an occupation (64%); 31% of pregnant women who did not want labor analgesia considered it unnecessary; 13% thought it would be harmful to the baby, herself, or the birth process; 2% found it expensive; 16% feared it; and 0.5% found it contradictory to religious beliefs.

Conclusion: Although no prior information was given to the pregnant women who attended the survey, the number of births and education level affected the labor analgesia desire. If labor analgesia is emphasized in formal and common education, this might increase the request for it.