Uncontrolled Labor Pain: Impact on Mother and Baby

The journey of childbirth is a sacred experience, but labor pains can be intensely uncomfortable. If not properly managed, these pains can have undesirable effects on the health and emotions of both the mother and baby. Understanding these impacts helps expectant mothers and families prepare better, making informed decisions for a smooth and peaceful delivery.

1. What is labor pain?

1.1. Definition

Labor pain is the discomfort an expectant mother experiences as her body prepares to welcome the baby. This pain primarily arises from uterine contractions, cervical dilation, and the baby's pressure on the pelvic area. It is a natural part of childbirth, but the intensity and nature of the pain can vary for each individual.

1.2. Causes and location of pain by stage

Labor pain is not constant but changes throughout each stage, reflecting the physiological developments within the mother's body [8]:

• Stage 1: Early labor and active labor

  • Early labor (Latent phase): This is when you begin to feel uterine contractions. Initially, contractions may be mild, irregular, and often appear in the lower abdomen, lower back, and sacrum [1, 8]. The pain is a dull ache, primarily due to uterine contractions and cervical dilation.
  • Active labor: After the latent phase, contractions become stronger, more regular, and closer together, as the cervix dilates from 6cm to 10cm [8]. At this point, the pain becomes more intense, sharp, and can be clearly localized in the vaginal area, rectum, and perineum [1]. You may feel leg cramps, an upset stomach, and increased pressure in your back, along with a strong urge to push.

• Stage 2: Birth of the baby This is the stage where you will begin to push to deliver the baby. The urge to push is very clear and strong at this time, similar to the sensation of needing to have a bowel movement [1, 8]. The greatest pressure will be concentrated in the perineum and vaginal area as the baby's head moves out, requiring focus and coordinated effort from the mother.

• Stage 3: Delivery of the placenta After the baby is born, you will likely feel immense relief, but there is still a small task: delivering the placenta. This stage usually occurs within 30 minutes after the baby's birth [8]. You may still feel mild, less painful contractions that help expel the placenta, and you will push gently one more time to complete this process.

1.3. Psychological factors

In addition to physical factors, feelings of anxiety, fear, or stress also play a significant role and can increase the perceived intensity of pain. A calm, well-prepared mindset with positive support will help mothers manage labor pain more easily and have a better birth experience.

2. Impact of uncontrolled labor pain

When labor pain is not well-managed, it can have several undesirable effects on both the mother and baby, impacting physical health as well as emotional well-being.

2.1. For the mother

• Emotional and mental state: Excessive pain causes intense anxiety, fear, and stress for the mother [1, 3]. This not only affects the birth experience but can also lead to postpartum psychological issues such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or postpartum depression [3, 4].
• Physical health: With severe pain, the mother's body works harder, leading to an increase in heart rate and blood pressure [4]. Prolonged stress due to pain can also cause muscle spasms, extending the duration of labor and increasing discomfort [3].
• Postpartum recovery: Mothers who experience severe labor pain are at higher risk of acute postpartum pain, and even chronic postpartum pain [4]. This affects their ability to recover and care for the baby.
• Increased medical intervention: Uncontrolled pain can increase the likelihood of medical interventions during childbirth, including an elevated rate of cesarean sections [5].

2.2. For the fetus

• Mild oxygen deprivation: The mother's uncontrolled pain can, in some cases, affect the oxygen supply to the baby [5]. This can occur due to physiological changes in the mother (e.g., increased blood pressure, prolonged uterine contractions) affecting blood flow to the placenta.
• Impact on baby's heart rate: When the mother is stressed and anxious due to pain, her body releases stress hormones, which can also affect the baby's heart rate [3].
• Overall baby health: While studies generally show no significant difference in initial baby health scores (Apgar scores) between cases with and without pain relief [2, 5], keeping the expectant mother as comfortable as possible remains important for the baby to have a healthy start.

3. Why is labor pain management important?

Managing labor pain not only helps the expectant mother feel less discomfort but also brings many important benefits, contributing to a safe, positive, and happy childbirth journey for both mother and baby.

3.1. Benefits for the mother

• Positive birth experience: When pain is well-controlled, mothers can feel more comfortable, less anxious, and can fully cherish the moment of welcoming their baby [3, 7]. They can focus better on cooperating with medical staff, which helps the delivery process go more smoothly.
• Reduced stress: Pain relief helps the mother's body reduce stress and the release of stress hormones, thereby helping her feel calmer and more relaxed [3, 4]. This also contributes to maintaining stable blood pressure and heart rate, which is beneficial for overall health.
• Faster recovery: Mothers who receive good pain management often have a smoother and less painful postpartum recovery. This helps them regain strength quickly to care for their baby and enjoy precious time together.
• More stable mental state: A pleasant and well-managed birth experience can significantly reduce the mother's risk of developing psychological issues such as anxiety or postpartum depression [4, 7], establishing a strong foundation for her mental health.

3.2. Benefits for the baby

• Enhanced oxygen supply: When the mother is less stressed and in pain, blood flow to the placenta is better maintained, ensuring the baby receives adequate oxygen throughout labor [5]. This helps reduce the risk of fetal distress due to hypoxia.
• Stable baby heart rate: A relaxed and comfortable mother helps stabilize the baby's heart rate. A less stressful uterine environment provides the best conditions for the baby's development and birth [3].
• Favorable birth conditions: A mother whose pain is well-controlled can cooperate more effectively with the doctor during pushing. This helps the baby be born gently and safely, minimizing potential complications.

4. References

• [1] O'Connor, M. (2019). Eve's Curse: Intolerable Unrelieved Pain in Labour - Necessary Evil or Medical Negligence?. J Law Med, 26(3), 549-556. Truy cập: 2025-12-10.
• [2] Azadeh, H., Heshmat, R., Nasiri, M., Azarkish, F., & Sedigh Mobarakabadi, S. (2025). The Effect of EX-B8 Acupressure on Labor Pain: A Randomized, Single-Blind, Sham-Controlled Trial. Pain Res Manag, 2025, 7873155. Truy cập: 2025-12-10.
• [3] Deng, Y., Lin, Y., Yang, L., Liang, Q., Fu, B., Li, H., Zhang, H., & Liu, Y. (2021). A comparison of maternal fear of childbirth, labor pain intensity and intrapartum analgesic consumption between primiparas and multiparas: A cross-sectional study. Int J Nurs Sci, 8(4), 380-387. Truy cập: 2025-12-10.
• [4] Ray-Griffith, S. L., Wendel, M. P., Stowe, Z. N., & Magann, E. F. (2018). Chronic pain during pregnancy: a review of the literature. Int J Womens Health, 10, 153-164. Truy cập: 2025-12-10.
• [5] Li, X., Wu, C., Zhou, X., Zhang, J., Lu, H., Chen, S., Xu, X., & Wu, H. (2021). Influence of painless delivery on the maternal and neonatal outcomes under the guidance of new concept of labor. Am J Transl Res, 13(11), 12973-12979. Truy cập: 2025-12-10.
• [6] Shah, S., Banh, E. T., Koury, K., Bhatia, G., Nandi, R., & Gulur, P. (2015). Pain Management in Pregnancy: Multimodal Approaches. Pain Res Treat, 2015, 987483. Truy cập: 2025-12-10.
• [7] Chen, Y., & Wu, M. (2025). Enhancing Childbirth Experience: The Combined Effects of Free Positioning and Mindful Relaxation Techniques on Pain Alleviation and Labor Duration Reduction. Int J Gen Med, 18, 6399–6410. Truy cập: 2025-12-10.
• [8] Mayo Clinic. (2024). Stages of labor: What to expect. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/labor-and-delivery/in-depth/stages-of-labor/art-20046545. Truy cập: 2025-12-10.

The information above is for reference purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Please consult a doctor for detailed advice.