Abstract: Childbirth is a unique multidimensional phenomenon that extends far beyond just a physiological process. It can rightly be regarded as an acute stressful condition that imposes a considerable psychological and physical burden on the woman’s body. Its distinctive feature lies in the close interaction between psychological and physiological processes joint by the pain factor. The recognition of labor pain as a legitimate condition, and of the need for analgesia as a global right of women rather than a privilege, was formalized in 2025 in the Declaration of the World Federation of Societies of Anesthesiologists (WFSA).[1] Modern obstetric anesthesiology considers not only the clinical efficacy and safety of methods of labor analgesia, but also the degree of patient satisfaction as key criteria of healthcare quality.[2] Fear of pain has been shown to be strongly associated with women’s dissatisfaction with childbirth experience.[3] However, recent research proves that the pharmacological efficacy of analgesia alone does not guarantee high maternal satisfaction.[4] Emotional stability, the possibility of verticalization and normal mobility during labor, minimizing side effects and complications, along with effective analgesia form the basis for high maternal satisfaction, a positive childbirth experience, and the overall quality of maternity care. These patient-centered characteristics are increasingly considered priority directions for the obstetric analgesia future advancements. This article examines the role of modern methods of labor analgesia in determining maternal satisfaction, as well as their main advantages and limitations for achieving a positive childbirth experience.

Cite: Ekaterina Upryamova , Roman Kapustin , Elena Alekseenkova
Modern Trends in Labor Analgesia: Impact on Maternal Satisfaction
In compilation Journal of Obstetric Anaesthesia and Critical Care. 2026. – C.86-91. DOI: 10.4103/JOACC.JOACC_71_26 OpenAlex

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