Physical and emotional pain
Experiences of Women Undergoing Second Trimester MTOP
Physical pain of strong intensity was experienced by a majority of women. The
severe distinct pain usually lasted for a short and limited duration, usually at the
expulsion of the fetus. Even if the pain was compared to menstrual pain, or pain
from previous labor, miscarriage or abortion it was mentioned as much worse
than expected. Several young women felt unprepared for the pain saying that they
had no previous similar situation to relate on. For some women the overall perception of pain was less than expected but more common was that it was worse
than expected. Morphine reduced the pain and shortened the peak of pain
experienced during the contractions but the effect on perceived pain, varied from
no effect at all to an effective pain relief and relaxation but with side effects such as nausea and dizziness. When medical treatment did not help against the pain, the
woman concentrated on her breathing or tried to find relaxed positions. One
woman expressed that she wanted to feel the pain to be sure that her body was
working.