“First, she heard the sound of surgical instruments before she heard her baby cry.” Nowadays, childbirth using regional anaesthesia is an experience that is characterised not only by medical aspects but also emotional ones. According to recent research findings, around one-third of births worldwide occur via cesarean deliveries, where most mothers are still awake during the process (World Health Organisation [WHO], 2021).
In the modern world, more women deliver babies under full consciousness in complicated surgeries such as caesarean and instrumental deliveries. With regional anaesthesia, which includes epidural anaesthesia and spinal anaesthesia, the patient can stay conscious throughout the delivery process by reducing painful sensations. Nevertheless, there have been cases where mothers experienced psychologically traumatic delivery under regional anaesthesia and described themselves as having heard surgical noises, feeling pressure on their bodies, and being unable to overcome their fear for their babies.
Childbirth is often associated with happiness. Nevertheless, sometimes, it can become an event with negative emotions such as distress, shock, fear, and emotional numbness. It is important to remember that the body and mind may act differently during the whole procedure. In this article, the psychological aspects of childbirth using regional anaesthesia will be examined. In particular, the article will focus on fear, body sensation, emotions, and the overall psychological experience.
Awake but Unable to Escape the Moment
Regional anaesthesia has transformed the care of childbirth in the global community (ACOG, 2021). With regional anaesthesia, including spinal or epidural anaesthesia, the mother remains awake, and medication inhibits pain from the lower parts of the body. Cesarean sections are frequently associated with regional anaesthesia, as it is usually believed to be more secure than general anaesthesia for various reasons (ACOG, 2021).
While being free of pain, women undergoing surgeries continue experiencing physical sensations. They might feel the pulling and pressure inside, shaking, movements of organs, and other physical processes. Mothers tend to describe the sensations as “pain-free but terrifying.” The body becomes very active, while a person still stays detached from it (Simkin, 1991). That is why physical and emotional experiences might overlap, resulting in confusion and psychological problems (Olde et al., 2006).
In psychology, people expect pain from any significant bodily experience, including operations (Olde et al., 2006). In case of absence of pain but presence of physical sensations, it might be difficult to understand what is going on.
Read More: Anaesthesia Awareness Explained: When Patients Wake Up During Surgery
Emotional Disturbances During Childbirth
One of the most common emotions experienced during childbirth using regional anaesthesia is fear (Ayers, 2017). The fear can arise either before the surgery or during the surgery process itself. The mother could be scared of any possible complications, pain recurrence, danger to the baby or losing consciousness. Some mothers fear the operating room environment itself.
Another important psychological aspect during medically assisted childbirth is the loss of control over the process (Zwelling, 2008). During the surgery, the mother is expected to be motionless while medical personnel quickly take action. Women tend to say that they feel passive rather than actively involved in childbirth. The feeling becomes even more pronounced during emergency surgery as it is performed quickly without any delays.
Feelings of anxiety can occur during childbirth, and particularly in cases of emergency surgeries (Yildiz et al., 2017). According to cognitive theories of anxiety, uncertainty and loss of control are some of the primary reasons why women may experience emotional disturbances in high-pressure environments (Ayers, 2017). Anxiety in psychology is defined as unreasonable and excessive feelings of worry, nervousness, or fear toward any unknown event. During childbirth, anxiety can be observed through crying and trembling.
The Silence After the Baby Is Born
Sometimes, the emotional impact of childbearing does not dissipate even after the birth of a baby (Olde et al., 2006). Emotional detachment may happen in the postpartum period as a result of the very difficult childbirth process. It might take a lot of time and energy for mothers to deal with the effects of it.
Sometimes emotional numbness is caused by stress or even trauma (Yildiz et al., 2017). According to trauma theory, people who feel extremely stressed or pressured mentally tend to stop being able to feel emotions as their minds protect them from the overwhelming experience (Ayers, 2017). While such individuals look composed on the outside, their inner selves may suffer shock, bewilderment, and emotional immobilisation. This reaction could be observed after any traumatic experience, including accidents, emergencies, and others.
In pregnancy, the consequences of emotional numbness include difficulties with attachment, sleeping, socialising, and self-assurance in motherhood (Simkin, 1991). A woman loves her child but has troubles emotionally because of the baby’s birth. In no way does it mean she is a bad mother; it only suggests that she underwent mental trauma during labour.
Read More: Postpartum OCD(PPOCD) Explained: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Effective Interventions
Birth Beyond the Scope of Medical Safety
Modern medicine has achieved numerous developments in surgical techniques and anaesthesia that make childbirth relatively safer in terms of physical complications and risks (ACOG, 2021). Local anaesthesia reduces the physical pain experienced by mothers and allows them to remain awake during the procedure. However, awareness about the happening process may cause many unpleasant feelings, such as fear, vulnerability, lack of feeling, and a heightened sense of one’s body.
Women experience childbirth differently according to the degree of family support, personal health problems, or the attitude of expectant mothers (Declercq et al., 2013). As a result, many women feel empowered due to their involvement in the process of giving birth. Conversely, others suffer from psychological problems even after they go home from the clinics.
The discussion of the problem of childbirth includes such issues as physical survival, successful performance of the medical actions, and further recovery of a woman’s health. Yet, emotional state cannot be overlooked while talking about childbirth (Ayers, 2017). Listening, valuing, informing, and emotional support affect women’s perception of the childbirth experience for the rest of their lives (Simkin, 1991).
Conclusion
The notion of consciousness in regional anaesthesia birth is regarded by many people as one of the major achievements of medicine. This is because while giving birth, the woman is completely aware, yet at the same time, her pain is reduced significantly. However, the emotional aspect of conscious birth may become rather difficult, as many women fear or find themselves helpless and numb while experiencing everything connected with childbirth in a clinical setting. It may cause more emotional stress than joy for many women (Ayers, 2017).
Consciousness in surgery helps the professionals in healthcare and society understand that giving birth involves not only the body but the soul as well. Emotional comfort, clear communication, consent and support may be very important for having a great delivery experience and its further recovery period (WHO, 2018). Emotional care and being heard by other people may reduce anxiety after giving birth (Bohren et al., 2017).
Having taken into consideration the significance of the emotional state of mothers in today’s society, the issue of emotions during conscious childbirth should be discussed as well. Indeed, a healthy delivery means not only physical survival but also emotional survival. Sometimes, emotional injuries may occur despite the success of childbirth.
References +
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