Half of all healthcare providers consider labour pain as ‘natural’ and necessary for birth and therefore do not routinely provide pharmacological pain relief. Challenges included shortage of staff, lack of equipment, no access to nitrous oxide or epidural medication, and fears regarding the effect of opiates on the woman and/or baby. Enabling factors included a desire to help, the common use of non-pharmacological methods during labour and the availability of pharmacological pain relief for women who have had a Caesarean section. Most healthcare providers are aware of various approaches to pain management including both pharmacological and non-pharmacological options.

Thematic framework analysis was undertaken to identify emerging themes. Transcribed interviews were coded and codes grouped into categories. Semi-structured key informant interviews ( n = 24) and two focus group discussions ( n = 10) were conducted with healthcare providers ( n = 34) in Tanzania. We investigated the knowledge and attitudes of healthcare providers regarding the provision of pain relief options in a hospital in Moshi, Tanzania.

Healthcare providers have a duty of care to support women and improve quality of care. In low resource settings, women often do not have access to effective pain relief.

There are various options, both pharmacological and non-pharmacological, available to help women cope with and relieve pain during labour and after childbirth. Most women experience pain during labour and after childbirth.

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