A–Z Glossary

Pain modulation

The process by which attention, expectations, breathing, muscle tension, safety, and support influence how pain is perceived.

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Mental preparation for labor

Mental preparation for labor

Why mental preparation matters Labor activates both physiologic and psychological systems. Uterine contractions, cervical dilation, pelvic pressure, fatigue, and hormonal shifts occur alongside appraisal: “Am I safe?”, “Can I do this?”, “Are my baby and I okay?” When the brain interprets sensations as threatening, sympathetic arousal can intensify muscle tension, hypervigilance, and the subjective experience […]