ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:
Prenatal follow-up by nurses qualifies the assistance and is the moment when women's questions are answered, pain and stress are evaluated and relaxation methods during labor are explained, among other aspects. So, this study aimed at measuring referred pain and perceived stress of post-vaginal delivery women.
METHODS:
This is a descriptive, analytical, observational and cross-sectional study carried out in a hospital Obstetric Unit with 40 post-partum women using short-form McGill Pain Questionnaire and Perceived Stress Scale.
RESULTS:
Thirty-five percent of respondents, mean age of 25 years, were having their second baby and had term gestation with mild pain; 27.5% had moderate pain and 22.5% moderate pain. Mean "sensory" pain estimate index was 6.60. Questions 3 (have you been nervous or stressed), 6 (believed she was unable to deal with all the things she had to do) and 9 (has been angry due to things beyond her control), had the highest means.
CONCLUSION:
Post-partum women refer pain and have postvaginal delivery stress, thus the importance of evaluating such symptoms and of preparing women to cope with pain and stress during this period.
Keywords:
Nursing; Pain; Puerperium; Stress; Vaginal delivery