BACKGROUND:
Although the rate of labor analgesia in Japan is gradually increasing, it remains low-approximately 10%-due in part to prevailing cultural beliefs, such as "childbirth should be painful." In Japan, painless delivery is primarily performed using epidural analgesia, which is the most common method of labor analgesia.

OBJECTIVES:
In this study, we investigated pregnant women's perceptions and information requirements regarding labor analgesia in Japan, using a qualitative analysis of online discussions.

METHODS:
A total of 239 posts from "Women's Park," a user-generated online forum operated by Benesse Corporation, were analyzed. Posts were coded, grouped by thematic similarity, and qualitatively analyzed. This study was approved by the Research Ethics Review Committee, and no conflicts of interest were reported.

RESULTS:
Six categories were identified. Women expressed conflicting emotions, such as: "I want labor analgesia because I’m sensitive to pain, but I’m also afraid of the procedure itself." Key concerns included the choice of delivery method, selection of facilities offering labor analgesia, associated costs, and detailed information about the process. Uncertainties about whether labor analgesia required prior reservation and concerns about medical interventions (e.g., planned induction) contributed to hesitancy. Additional costs, such as anesthesia fees, were also identified as barriers to decision-making.

CONCLUSIONS:
Pregnant women in Japan actively turn to social networking platforms to gather and share information about labor analgesia. Moreover, after making a decision, many continue to seek reassurance through the experiences of others, which reflects persistent anxiety.

KEY MESSAGE:
Midwives should play a key role in enhancing pregnant women's health literacy by helping them assess the reliability of online information and supporting appropriate, informed decision-making regarding labor analgesia. Poster session 1 (Group A)