Natural Methods for Relieving Labor Pain and Anxiety during the First Stage among Primigravida Mothers

Kamal Abd Elkhalek, Nawal; Ebrahim Ahmed, Safaa; Mohamed Mohamed Lotfy, Inas; A. Shahin, Marwa

doi:10.21608/ejhc.2021.190768

Natural Methods for Relieving Labor Pain and Anxiety during the First Stage among Primigravida Mothers

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

¹ Obstetrics and Gynecological Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, South Valley University

² Obstetrics and Gynecology Nursing Department, Faculty of Nursing, Sohag University

³ Assistant Professor of Hospital and Nursing Management, Military Medical Academy

⁴ Maternal and Newborn Health Nursing Department, Faculty of Nursing, Menoufia University

10.21608/ejhc.2021.190768

Abstract

Labor pain is a universal experience among primigravida during pregnancy. Failure to manage labor
pain may lead to abnormal labor. There are many complementary nonpharmacological methods
used to cope with labor pain such as back massage and breathing exercises. Aim: To evaluate the
effect of natural methods for relieving labor pain and anxiety during the first stage of labor among
primigravida mothers. Design: A quasi-experimental design was utilized to accomplish this study.
Sample: A Purposive sample included 80 primigravida mothers were recruited and divided into two
equal groups as a group (A) refers to the back massage group (n=40) and group (B) which refers to
the breathing exercises group (n=40). Setting: The study was applied in the Obstetrics and
Gynecology Department at Sohag University Hospital. Three tools were used for data collection
(1) A structured interviewing questionnaire, (2) a visual analog pain scale, (3) a State-Trait Anxiety
Inventory scale. Results: Revealed that there was a highly significant difference between mean and
SD of pretest level and posttest regarding labor pain level in back massage and breathing exercises
groups at P=0.001 level. There was a highly significant difference between mean and SD of pretest
level and posttest regarding anxiety level in back massage and breathing exercises groups at
P=0.001 level. Conclusion: Back massage and breathing exercises were effective in relieving and
reducing the intensity of pain and reduce anxiety during the first stage of labor among primigravida
mothers. Recommendation: Applying back massage and breathing exercises are recommended to
relieve pain and reduce anxiety

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