IOSR Journal of Nursing and Health Science (IOSR-JNHS) e-ISSN: 2320–1959.p- ISSN: 2320–1940 Volume 4, Issue 5 Ver. III (Sep. - Oct. 2015), PP 113-117 www.iosrjournals.org DOI: 10.9790/1959-0453113117 www.iosrjournals.org 113 | Page Perception of Pain in Labour among Parturients in Hajia Gambo Sawaba General Hospital, Zaria Auwalu Muhammed 1 RN, RM, BNSc, MSc; and Shehu Danlami 2 RN, RM, PHN, BNSc, MSc 1. Department of nursing sciences, College of Healh Sciences, Usmanu Danfodiyo University Sokoto; 2. Kaduna State College of Midwifery, Kaduna Abstract: Women responses to pain during child birth might be different. Some women cried, some would shout, while some were observed to be quite, calm and responding to midwives’ instructions. The aim of this study was to examine perception of pain and factors influencing pain response among parturients. Study would provide information regarding the needs of women for providing efficient care and support in labour. The study was a descriptive cross-sectional in nature in which 51 questionnaires were distributed to the women, 46 completed were collected, data analyzed and presented in descriptive form. Findings suggest that majority of women experienced mild to moderate pain in labour. Fear of labour and uncomfortable positions were the major factors aggravating labour pain. In order to reduce labour pain most women preferred reassurance, good attitude of midwives and good environmental condition. Therefore, midwives should provide support, encouragement as well as patient-centered care to women in labour. I. Introduction Pain in labour is a common experience to women, but its degree and the ability to withstand labour pain varies among women. Robertson (2008) viewed labour pain to be comforting, a bond among women and a special biological role which affirmed their contribution to the society. In Nigeria, it is assumed that labour is well tolerated and pain relief is not often considered as part of intrapartum care (Kuti & Faponle, 2006). The basic source of pain in labour has to do with the action taking place in the cervix and on other surrounding structures due to stretching and tearing. The sources of pain have different quality and are usually there in between contraction to give warning that something needs attention (Andrea, 2008). Severe pain in labour may initiate stress responses which may brings fatigue and difficulty in making efforts to give birth to a baby. However, many young and healthy mothers may cope with the stress of labour. The perception of pain in labour varies among women in a social, cultural, education and psychological dimensions. Several factors may affect women responses to labour pain, these include the expectation that the labour will be terribly painful, fear of labour process, and unfamiliar environment to mention few (Goodman et al., 2008). In a study by Kuti and Faponle (2006), majority of women describe labour pain as severe and most women preferred pain relieve in labour. Similarly, most American women prepare for birth with the expectation that labour will be a terrible experience (Goodman et al., 2008). Further, the dimension of each woman affects how she perceives the pain of labour. However, the presence of midwife/friend of the birthing woman to provide support and comfort may help in reducing pain in labour, as a result reduced the need for analgesia (Kitzinger, 2007). In addition, self- control is an important factor that enables women to have a satisfactory birth experience (Kabeyama, 2007). Review of the literature indicates that there is need to examine the women concerns about labour pain as well as the measures perceived by the women to have influenced their pain responses. This study was aimed at identifying women perception about labour pain, the measures that aggravate labour pain, and the perceived measures that reduced labour pain. The study will provides empirical information that may help midwife in women-centered pain management in labour. II. Methodology Research Design This study was a cross-sectional survey that involves examination of a cross-section of the parturients, aimed at collecting data relevant to the study. Setting and Population The study was conducted in Hajiya Gambo Sawaba General Hospital located in the southwestern part of Zaria City. The nurses and midwives formed one-third of the work force. Services rendered include treatment of minor illness, maternity services, laboratory services, provision of drugs and surgical