a brief article in Fit Pregnancy (Oct/Nov 2008) that states: "Labor pain evidently comes mainly from the cervix, not the uterus, a Swedish researcher says. In non-pregnant women, the uterus contains pain-sensitive fibers, but for reasons unknown, those fibers disappear almost completely during pregnancy. Experts' best guess is that this is an evolutionary adaptation; if the nerve fibers remained, birth would be too painful—as would pregnancy. The findings could lead to more effective labor pain treatment."—From S.R. Karolinska Institute
03 December 2008
labor pain cervical rather than uterine?
Anyone hear of this? Someone posted this in Midwifery Today:
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4 comments:
Hi Doulamomma!
Well, I HAD heard that the uterus was impossible to feel pain, but was unsure as to why... so, that study would make sense...
having ANYTHING "cranked" open in our bodies would have to be a bit uncomftorable, to say the least! So, I guess the cervix is the culprit, after all these years!!
I will look into it further myself, as I am a Birth*Junkie!
Kelly
http://doulasurround.blogspot.com
Wow! Really interesting.
Well, that explains what I have always thought. My own expereinces in birth support this theory - to an extent. I definietly felt the pain in the opening, not so much in the muscle contraction. But - the muscle pain was definitely there.
me too, lunasoror!...
interesting, though, that the researchers only see this as an insight into better anesthesia!
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