Maternal-Newborn: ATI Chapter 12 Review – Pain Management During Labor

This episode focuses on pain management strategies during labor, based on ATI Chapter 12. We break down the different types of pain experienced in each stage of labor—from visceral and somatic pain to tissue trauma—and how anxiety and fear can affect labor progression. You’ll learn how to assess pain effectively using both verbal reports and nonverbal cues, and how to support patients with non-pharmacological methods like breathing, massage, positioning, and imagery. We also cover pharmacological options, including sedatives, opioids, epidurals, and spinal anesthesia—highlighting indications, side effects, and the nursing responsibilities that come with each. This is a critical review for keeping labor safe, supportive, and patient-centered.