Pain is not believed equally
Consistent, uncomfortable, and worth knowing in advance.
Among 9,900 postpartum women, Black women had 2.18 times the adjusted odds of reporting pain of 5 or more out of 10, and Hispanic women 1.61 times the odds, compared with white women. Both groups received fewer morphine equivalents per day and were less likely to be given a prescription at discharge.
The authors stated their conclusion plainly: these are disparities in pain management that cannot be explained by less perceived pain.
What helpsAsk for scheduled rather than as-needed pain medicine. Say a number out loud rather than saying you are fine. Ask for the number to be recorded. A documented score is harder to overlook than a facial expression.
Where this comes from:
265. Badreldin N, Grobman WA, Yee LM. Racial disparities in postpartum pain management. Obstet Gynecol. 2019;134(6):1147-1153.
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This page is educational. It supports the conversation with your own clinicians. It is not consent to any treatment, and it cannot assess you. If you are worried about a symptom now, see urgent warning signs.