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The 5 Ps of Labor: The Maternal Psyche

The fifth P is the womans psyche or emotional

state. The womans psyche or emotional state can
determine her total response to labor and influences
her physiological and psychological functioning.
Influencing factors include the mothers previous
birth experiences (Were there any complications?
What were the outcomes? Were the mothers
personal expectations met?). At the same time, the
mothers current pregnancy experience will influence
her response to the pregnancy. Her age, marital
status, current number of children she has, as well
as her current expectations for this pregnancy are all
influencing factors.

Cultural values are another influencing factor. A

womans culture gives her clues about how she
should act or respond during pregnancy, labor, and delivery. Her values and beliefs regarding
sickness, health, and pregnancy will shape her definition of what the childbirth experience should
be. Other cultural factors that can affect a mothers behavior during childbirth include expectations
about who should attend the birth, the mothers perception of and response to pain (should pain be
expressed openly or should she be stoic), and the womans feelings about being touched.

When facing labor, whether for the first time or fifth time, women may have feelings of anxiety or
fear about the process. The feelings of fear may center on anticipating the pain associated with
labor or the fear of losing control and not being able to cope. Nurses can help by providing
guidance regarding strategies the laboring woman can use to cope with the stress and discomforts
of labor.