Faculty Sponsor

Jana Stedman

College

College of Nursing & Health Professions (CONHP)

Department/Program

Physician Assistant Program

ORCID Identifier(s)

0009-0003-9014-9465

Presentation Type

Poster Presentation

Symposium Date

Summer 7-22-2026

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate evidence on pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic labor pain management strategies and provide clinicians with an evidence-based framework for patient counseling on analgesic methods and the associated maternal, obstetric, and neonatal outcomes.

Methods: A structured literature search was conducted using Research Rabbit to identify studies on labor analgesia using keywords related to labor pain, pain relief, epidural analgesia, pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic pain management, and pain intensity. Studies evaluating parturients undergoing labor with the intention of vaginal birth and examining various pain management strategies were included. Studies involving non-laboring patients or analgesia outside the context of active labor and intended vaginal delivery were excluded. Maternal, obstetric, and fetal/neonatal outcomes were reviewed.

Results: Evidence suggests counseling should be based on patient goals, preferences, values, and expectations. For patients prioritizing pain relief, labor epidural analgesia provided the greatest benefit, although many non-pharmacological interventions had efficacious analgesia. Several non-pharmacologic interventions were associated with shorter labor duration and were not linked to increased adverse maternal or neonatal outcomes. Among pharmacologic analgesia options, parenteral opioids demonstrated the greatest ongoing safety concerns.

Conclusion: No single analgesia method “wins” across pain relief, safety, and satisfaction; this is because the experience of childbirth is too individualized for a one-size-fits-all solution. The future of obstetric pain management lies in multimodal, patient-centered care that integrates safe pharmacologic options with accessible, low-risk non-pharmacologic therapies to empower women and optimize outcomes for mother and baby.

Keywords: Pain management in labor; pharmacologic interventions; non-pharmacologic interventions; maternal outcomes; obstetric outcomes; fetal outcomes

Biographical Information about Author(s)

Julia Purtell will graduate in July 2026 from the VU Physician Assistant Program. She has a special interest in exploring evidence on popular topics of discussion in patient care. She selected pain management in labor after her first clinical rotation in OB/GYN, where she developed an interest in patient-centered care and shared decision-making. Following graduation, she plans to practice in dermatology and remains committed to applying evidence-based research to improve patient education and outcomes.

Additional Files
Purtell_EBM_Poster.pdf (254 kB)
Purtell SIRes Poster
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