CHINEDU GODWIN UZOMBA
Biography
Research Interest
Abstract
Degree of Pain During Labor and Anthropometric Determinants on Birth Size and Mode of Delivery
The study aimed to examine the influence of degree of pain during labor and anthropometric parameters, as well as maternal socio-demographic, on birth characteristics and mode of delivery during labor. Materials and Methods: The study adopted an observational cross section involving pregnant mothers and their newborns. A total of 360 pregnant mothers, certified as healthy by an obstetrician, were recruited from the antenatal ward between 1st May 2020, and 1st June 2021. Each participant voluntarily signed an informed consent form, which was provided in their preferred local dialect. This study adopted direct standard anthropometric measurements, gynecological protocols and a questionnaire-based approach. Maternal and neonatal anthropometric features, socio-demographic factors, and the mode of delivery were assessed following the guidelines of the Institute of Medicine.
Results
Male newborns have higher birth length than their female counterparts. The mode of delivery of male neonates was strongly associated with the maternal degree of pain during labor (χ2 = 5.691; p= 0.048), and could be predicted using a statistical model (adjusted R2 = 0.461, OR; 0.542). Conclusion: Degree of pain during labor significantly influences the delivery outcomes, with women delivering male neonates experiencing a nociceptive dimension of pain, primarily due to prolonged labor. Understanding the causes of prolonged pain during labor could assist clinicians in managing deliveries more effectively and prevent complications. The findings could enhance the clinical relevance and decision-making and improve the management of operative deliveries, particularly for male neonates.
