How Pregnant Women Can Plan Against Pain
I recently had a conversation with my husband about drugs while watching television. The commercial aimed towards sharing the dangers of opioid drugs was an eye-opener for me. When I was pregnant with my children, I never thought about pain management. I honestly believe it’s the last thing women who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant would think about, however, it’s important for us to know we have choices. It is possible to plan against pain and learn about non-opioid pain relief options.
Disclosure: “I received this educational information and assets from Moms Meet (momsmeet.com) to use and post my honest opinions. Compensation for this post was provided and this page may contain affiliate links.”
I’ve teamed up with Moms Meet to share about the Choices Matter campaign. The campaign is designed to educate and empower patients, caregivers, and physicians to discuss pain management options, including effective non-opioid options, prior to surgery. I feel it’s vital for future moms to know as much information as possible so they can be informed.
What The Choices Matter Program Aims to Spread Awareness About
Did you know the use of non-opioid options before, during, and after surgery can significantly decrease or, in many cases, completely eliminate the need for opioids after many common procedures, including C-section deliveries?
- More than 1 in 3 women had C-section deliveries; overall, 1 in 5 C-sections were unplanned
- More than 1 in 3 (36%) women did not have a birth plan, which is an opportune time for a patient to speak with their doctor about pain management options, including non-opioids
- 38% of women are open to pain management options, but think some kinds of pain medications are or could be harmful to them or their baby
- Opioids and childbirth:
- 19% believe they are fine for other procedures, but not childbirth
- 25% believe they will be able to handle the pain without opioids
- 21% have no issue taking opioids
- 35% prefer to let their doctors decide what is best
- Nearly nine-in-ten (88%) of mothers have concerns about taking opioids during and after childbirth. Despite these concerns, more than half (51%) of C-section patients are prescribed an opioid.
- Leading concerns surrounding opioids and childbirth:
- Breastfeeding/impact on baby: 53%
- Side effects: 52%
- Nearly a quarter (24%) of those surveyed fear the risk of dependence or addiction
- While C-section patients had more opioids and anesthetics in the hospital and at home, they were less satisfied with their overall pain management
- 44% of C-section mothers were not completely satisfied with how their pain was managed during birth
Three Reasons to Visit the Plan Against Pain Website:
- Be Better Informed: If you’re like me, it could be better to take the time yourself and read about the facts and statistics on the Plan Against Pain website. They have so much useful information on the site and a special section dedicated to helping women better understand their options when dealing with pain management and pregnancy.
- It Covers More Than Women’s Health: The information on the Plan Against Pain website is dedicated to more than just childbirth. It also covers other aspects of women’s health. It also provides information for general surgery, oral surgery and so much more.
- Take the #OneLessPill Pledge: The fight against over-prescribing of opioids is one we can all and join in on. You can take the pledge to share more about the Plan Against Pain site and spread the word about how we all can help reduce the amount of these kinds of pills ending up in our communities to be abused or misused.
Visit Plan Against Pain Now:
Be sure to visit Plan Against Pain now to learn more about the Choices Matter campaign and take the pledge. Get active on social media to stay up to date about new programs and how you can help spread the word.