Salam Hadid
Galilee Medical Center, Nahariya, Israel
Title: Management of post-cesarean pain, its influence on maternal functioning and birthing mothers' recall of pain experience 48 hours later
Biography
Biography: Salam Hadid
Abstract
Background: Post-cesarean pain is a problem that affects the mother and, subsequently, the newborn. IV administration of acetaminophen is an accepted treatment option.
Objective: To examine efficacy IV Acetaminophen every 8 hours for the first 24 hours post-op.
Method: A prospective quantitative research study of 102 women after cesarean section (elective and emergency). Pain was recorded and then patients were questioned 48 post-op about the pain experienced and its influence on functioning ability. Pain was measured according to the Visual Analog Scale (VAS).
Results: Of 102, 98 received treatment as described. The medication reduced pain level by 2-4 points on the VAS. Mean maximum pain reported in the first 24 hours was VAS=5.61, in the next 24 hours 4.54. However, mean maximum pain remembered by the patients was VAS=7.99 in the first 24 hours and 7.07 in the next 24 hours. Most women maintained that the medication helped their pain but that the pain hindered their ability to perform tasks such as moving and leaving the bed, caring for the newborn and breastfeeding.