Variables Contributing to Women’s Prelabor Beliefs about Epidural Analgesia: Results of a Randomized Controlled Trial in Dutch Women

Introduction: Multiple factors influence a woman’s choice for Epidural Analgesia (EA) during labor. The aims of this study were to explore variables contributing to antepartum beliefs about EA, and factors influencing the experience of childbirth pain. Methods: Women (n=446) who were randomly allocated to routine EA or analgesia on request, filled in the Beliefs About Epidural Questionnaire (BEAQ) and Pain Catastrophizing Scale (PCS) before randomization, and the Child Birth Experience questionnaire (CEQ) six weeks after delivery. Results: Multiple linear regression showed a significant associ... Mehr ...