Pain and Fear

Some cultures permit open expression of labor pain while others expect silence. Earlier work found ethnic differences among Fars, Azeri, and Kurdish women in pain, fear, and anxiety perceptions around childbirth. Fear of childbirth and severe labor pain influence how women evaluate childbirth. Pain perception is partly linked to nervous system sensitivity and partly shaped by social, cultural, psychological, religious, and educational factors. Embarrassment and shame are culturally sensitive issues that obstetric and medical care should recognize around pregnancy and birth.