Do redheads have more pain during labor in your opinion?

2ndCareerRN · Jan 12, 2004

This interested me because I'm a redhead anxiously trying to become pregnant

I just read some research concerning pain and redheads

Getting pregnant is not supposed to cause pain. If I remember right, it should be reasonably pleasurable.

But, more seriously, I have read the same thing over the last few years in a few different places. I am just not sure how the research was done. Afterall, pain is a very subjective matter.

bob

BarbPick · Jan 12, 2004

I do not think any pregnant woman cares about hair color, give the meds.

Mazzi · Jan 12, 2004

I did not see that much difference in the pain level at time of labor but I did learn to watch mom very carefully after delivery if she was a red head because of bleed-out. I know it sound silly but red heads tend to bleed more after the delivery than others. (and I'm talking about a natural redhead)

fergus51 · Jan 12, 2004

No, I have not seen any correlation between hair colour and amount of pain.

sbic56, BSN, RN · Jan 12, 2004

Originally posted by Mazzi
I did not see that much difference in the pain level at time of labor but I did learn to watch mom very carefully after delivery if she was a red head because of bleed-out. I know it sound silly but red heads tend to bleed more after the delivery than others. (and I'm talking about a natural redhead)

I was just thinking of that redhead bleeder theory when I saw your post. No studies, I don't think on it, but it seems to be so! I used to know a midwife who wanted the nurse to have the methergine or hemabate in their pocket just to be ready.

I had heard about the pain perception theory with redheads, but can't say I have noticed any difference, either.

becca.utns · Jan 12, 2004

In response to Barbpick's post

Okay.... :eek:

Just pondering some research because I am a student. Some people like to know about research so they can learn and grow (IMO).

"Just give the med and shut up"...uh... that's not the type of nurse I want to become!

But thank you for your interesting insight...

LilRedRN1973 · Jan 12, 2004

There is a correlation between redheads and their pain tolerance. Redheads need more pain medication than other hair colors. The study came out in the past 2 years. I now don't feel so bad when I scream bloody murder when stubbing my toe...there is scientific evidence for my response!!!! :chuckle

NurseMegA · Jan 12, 2004

I have never heard of the pain theory with redheads nor have I seen a difference. I have heard of the bleeding one in relation to red heads and fully agree with it. I have seen many redheads with a Post partum Hemmorage

sbic56, BSN, RN · Jan 12, 2004

Originally posted by RNnTraining1973
There is a correlation between redheads and their pain tolerance. Redheads need more pain medication than other hair colors. The study came out in the past 2 years. I now don't feel so bad when I scream bloody murder when stubbing my toe...there is scientific evidence for my response!!!! :chuckle

Looking at ya, you oughta know!!:chuckle BTW, I love your red hair!

L&D_RN_OH · Jan 12, 2004

Originally posted by becca.utns
The Research Institute at the University of Loisville showed redheads had a lower pain threshold .

However, research from McGill University said redheads responded better to pain relief treatments and had the highest pain threshold than other hair colors.

I read the second study. I am a natural redhead and always considered my labors fairly mild compared to the reactions of some pts I have dealt with. Now, after reading that, I'm not sure if my labors are mild or I just have a higher pain tolerance. I haven't really been on the lookout for redheads and pain tolerance though. :) I do keep an eye on the bleeding, although that has not been actually proven.

fourbirds4me · Jan 12, 2004

I haven't noticed a difference in pain tolerance... but like the others keep methergine on hand because red-heads are notorious bleeders.