[Effects of complementary therapies on pain and labor outcomes in nuliparous women referred to delivery unit in Fatemiyeh Hospital in Shahrood city [2003-2005]]

ABSTRACT

Labor pain is the most severe pain in the world and its control is the main goal of maternity care. Nowadays, complementary therapies are suggested in order to labor pain elimination and there is controversial idea about applying of these methods. This study assessed the effects of emotional support and non pharmacological pain relief in labor. In this experimental study, 300 nuliparous women [150 women in control and 150 in empirical group] with single pregnancy, cephalic presentation and spontaneous labor who referred to the Fatemiyeh hospital, Shahrood, Iran, were evaluated. 150 women of empirical group received non pharmacological pain relief methods, including massage therapy, breathing techniques, relaxation, effleurage and emotional supports. No one of them received pharmacological pain relief methods. Pain intensity in the first and second stage of labor was determined by verbal numeric analog scale. Data were analyzed by Mann-Whitney U, Chi- square and Fisher exact tests. There was no difference in mean of age, level of education, residency [rural or urban], vaginal exam in admission time and interventions in labor between two groups. In control group, cesarean request [26.6% vs 16.2%, p < 0.05], ventous applying [4.5% vs 0%, p < 0.01], duration of the first [p < 0.001] and second stage of labor [p < 0.05 [and mean of pain score in the first [p < 0.01] and second stage] p < 0.001 [of labor was greater and mean apgar score in 1 min [p < 0.01] was less than experimental group. This study showed positive effects of complementary therapies on pain relief and labor outcomes. So, education of pregnant women, progress in willingness for vaginal delivery and presenting the complementary therapies are recommended in labor units