EN
Introduction: Labor pain is a physiological phenomenon and demonstrates progression of the labor. Feeling pain, also labor pain, is strongly individualized internal experience. Some parturients do not need any pharmacological intervention, for others labor pain is so strong that it requires a medical intervention. People also differ in terms of beliefs about the ability to control pain. These beliefs affect their attitudes towards pain sensations and expectations of medical interventions aimed at pain relief. The aim of this study was to determine whether regular physical activity during pregnancy varies beliefs about control over labor pain and to establish determinants of these beliefs and their correlates. Material and methods: 100 pregnant women aged 19-38 years, including 50 women who regularly practiced physical exercise during pregnancy and 50 pregnant physically inactive took part in this study. Modified “Beliefs About Pain Control Questionnaire” (BPCQ) Skevington’s, containing 11 statements about labor pain control, a questionnaire on obstetric history and personal situation, and Inventory of State and Trait Anxiety by Spielberger et al. were used in this study. Results: Results indicate that physically inactive pregnant women are more strongly convinced than women taking physical activity during pregnancy, that labor pain intensity depends on external factors (medical assistance, random factors). Trait anxiety, financial situation, previous miscarriage and physical activity are predictors of beliefs about labor pain control. Conclusions: Pregnant women physically active during pregnancy reveal stronger beliefs about personal control in labor pain, indicating a more internal location of the control. It is expected that those women will present active attitude during childbirth, cooperating with medical personnel, those women will less expect medical intervention also those targeted on pain relief for to labor acceleration.