Distraction and Focusing on the Management of Labour Pain: Stereograms

Pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic methods are used in management of labour pain. In use of pharmacologic methods, the only role of woman in pain management role and control is to adapt passively. At the same time, pharmacologic methods and interventions require complex technologies and experienced personnel. In the event that pain control is enough, non-pharmacologic methods have many advantages compared to pharmacologic methods. They do not slow down the labour and do not have side effects or allergy risks. Distraction and focusing, which means drawing attention from pain to another direction, is one of the methods for coping with labour pain. Distraction and focusing are used to prevent transmission of painful stimulants to central neural system. It enables the pregnant woman to draw her attention from the pain and focus on other stimulants during contractions. Some object/ instrument/implementation can be used for distraction and focusing. The aim of this paper is to explain the place of stereogram cards prepared specifically for labour in enabling the pregnant woman to cope with pain during her contractions. Stereogram focusing cards during labour (DSO-K) are designed specifically with oxytocic images. Consisting of 10 different cards, DSO-K enables women to draw their attention from pain during labour. As one of the non-pharmacologic methods implemented in labour, the method of focusing with DSO-K might be included among effective methods of relieving labour pain. The method of focusing with DSO-K is a safe, non-invasive independent method which does not require doctor’s solicitation for nurses and midwives during labour. It is one of the easy, accessible and cheap methods that woman can use on her own and each woman can benefit during labour.