CHILDBIRTH

“Fundamental Paradox” of Childbirth



“Fundamental Paradox” of Childbirth

Introduction

Childbirth is often referred to as a bitter sweet paradox due to the high prevailing maternal mortality rate. According to World Health Organization (WHO), almost half a million women die each year of during pregnancy, childbirth, or postnatal period (WHO, 2013). Even though, developed countries have been able to reduce the numbers, it remains a major threat in the poorer countries. There are various causes of maternal deaths during childbirth with obstetric haemorrhage being the primary culprit (Ronsmans & Graham, n.d., pp. 1189-1200). Another fundamental paradox is the psychological effects childbirth puts on the mother, leading to postnatal depression (Nicolson, 1999, pp. 162-178).

Discussion

Childbirth is a complex procedure involving numerous physical and psychological aspects for women. Many women describe it as a bitter sweet paradox, using words for happiness, as well as, agony. First, the high mortality rate, associated with childbirth, daunts all women. Above that, are the extensive labour pains, which women have to go through (Stone, 2009, pp. 36-37). The psychological needs to address the pain management and how to cope with it during childbirth can result in fewer adverse effects. However, there is only limited literature available on the topic. Antenatal education about pain management should take place prior to childbirth, in order to prepare women for an often most distressing event. Women should be educated prior to the delivery about the various methods of coping with pain. This pain includes the use of analgesics and epidurals. However, it is also important to signify here that many socio-cultural values prevent women from its use. According to many cultural and religious beliefs, women are forced to experience the pain of childbirth (Escott, et al., 2009, pp. 617-622).

Furthermore, the complexities of childbirth oftentimes lead to maternal death, with obstetric haemorrhage, or post-partum haemorrhage ...