Effectiveness of Shiatsu Massage on First Stage Labour Pain among Parturient Mothers

ABSTRACT

Childbirth is an experience in a woman' s life that holds the power to transform her forever. The objective of the study was to assess the effectiveness of Shiatsu massage upon rst stage Labour pain among the parturient mothers. In this pre-test, post-test experimental study, 60 parturient mothers were selected by simple random sampling technique among which 30 were assigned to the control group and 30 mothers to the experimental group. The labour pain level was assessed by the visual pain analogue scale, and foeto maternal parameters using modi- ed WHO partograph before and after intervention for both control and experimental group of parturient mothers. The experimental group was provided with Shiatsu massage on UB30 of the sacro-meridian region for 10 minutes for every two hours along with the routine care and the control group was treated only with the routine care during the labour process. The results showed a signi cant difference in after therapy pain score, at p'lt;0.001 between the control and experimental group. The foeto maternal parameters like foetal heart rate, uterine contraction and cervical dilatation was stable throughout the labour process. The Shiatsu massage was effective in reducing the level of labour pain perception. The management of labour pain is a primary responsibility of the nurse. Midwives can be empowered to provide Shiatsu massage as non-pharmacological pain management during childbirth.