Impact of Lamaze Breathing on Natural Childbirth: Comparison between Primigravid and Multigravid Women

ABSTRACT

Lamaze technique supports, sustains and safeguards sound, and healthy pregnancy, and safe birthing. The objective of this study was to compare the impact of Lamaze technique on duration of labour and neonatal outcomes among primigravid and multigravida women. A parallel group prospective randomised controlled trial was adapted where eligible primigravid & multigravida women were randomised into intervention and standard care groups at an antenatal outpa- tient clinic of a secondary healthcare institution. Women in the intervention group were trained on Lamaze breathing techniques at 36 weeks of gestation and were advised to practice these twice daily. Instructions were given to continue during the active phase of the first stage of labour under the supervision of labour room nurses. Compliance was monitored with help of a daily log along with the daily foetal movement count (Sadovsky method, as advised by obstetrician). The mean duration of labour in the intervention group for primigravid women was 5.5127'plusmn; 1.998 hours and that for multigravid women 3.3704'plusmn;1.584 hours whereas in standard care group it was 7.238'plusmn;3.678 hours and 4.2899'plusmn;2.182 hours respectively. The mean duration of labour for women in the intervention group was less compared to standard care group F(1)= 133.800, p 'lt;0.001. Two- way ANOVA revealed significant difference in gestational age at birth [F(1)= 0.020, p=0.887] and mean birth weight [F(1)=0.854, p=0.411] between primigravid and multigravid women. The current research concludes that Lamaze techniques when taught during the antenatal period facilitates natural childbirth by shortening the duration of labour and escalates its progress.