Zeitschrift für Geburtshilfe und Neonatologie
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Z Geburtshilfe Neonatol · Jun 2006
Controlled Clinical Trial[Pain management and coping behaviour in premature babies (< 1500 g) at corrected age of 36 months influence of neonatal experience and maternal anxiety].
Neonatal experience of pain and distress can lead to developmental problems, which can be associated with long-term emotional and behavioural disorders. The aim of the study was to analyse the effects of early experiences of pain and maternal reactions on the pain and coping behaviour of preterm infants. ⋯ While preterms do not have a higher pain threshold in general, a subgroup does have a higher risk for later sensation to pain. Preterms use more unfavourable coping strategies in simple injuries which, in turn, seem to be decisively mediated by maternal anxiety. Future research should focus on psycho-social factors involved in the development of pain reactions, as these can predispose towards behavioural disorders.