American scientists conducted a study that showed that physical intimacy between partners can significantly reduce pain during childbirth. This study arose after one of the scientists tried to help his wife during childbirth and became interested in whether touching between lovers could affect pain sensations.
22 heterosexual couples who were in a relationship from 2 to 10 years, aged from 23 to 32, took part in the experiment. The women were exposed to heat on their forearms, which caused minor pain. During the experiment, the couples were in different conditions: sometimes the partners could touch each other, and sometimes not.
The results revealed an interesting pattern: when the partners were close, and their heartbeats and breathing were synchronized, the women felt less pain. At the same time, when the partners were in different rooms, synchronization did not occur, and women's pain did not decrease.
This research shows the importance of physical intimacy, especially during important moments like childbirth, when even a light touch can help ease the pain.
