Curationis (Sep 2007)

The experience of childbrith in first-time mothers who received narcotic analgesics during the first stage of labour

  • L. Jantjes,
  • J. Strumpher,
  • W.J. Kotzé

DOI
https://doi.org/10.4102/curationis.v30i2.1079
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 30, no. 2
pp. 82 – 90

Abstract

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This research has focused on the birthing experience of first-time mothers who received the narcotic analgesic combination of Pethidine and Hydroxyzine during the first stage of labour. A qualitative research methodology was used to collect data. Unstructured interviews were held with first-time mothers to obtain accounts of their experience of childbirth. These narrations were audio-taped while the participants were still being cared for in the postnatal ward of the hospital where delivery took place. Nine interviews were conducted with first-time mothers who gave birth normally vaginally after a normal pregnancy and who received a narcotic analgesic in the first stage of labour. The transcribed interviews were analyzed using Tesch’s method of descriptive analysis (in Creswell, 1994:115).