The Effect of Reflexology on Relieving the Labor Pain

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 M.Sc. of Midwifery, Toyserkan Islamic Azad University, Toyserkan, Iran.

2 B.Sc. of Midwifery, Toyserkan Islamic Azad University, Toyserkan, Iran.

Abstract

Introduction: Labor pain is one of the most difficult pains and the main cause of fear of labor among pregnant women. Using aid and non invasive methods for reduction of labor pain is effective in decreasing the rate of elective cesarean section. This study was performed to evaluate the effect of reflexology on relieving labor pain.
 
Methods: This randomized clinical trial was performed on nulliparous women referring to Hamedan Tamin Ejtemaee Hospital to determine the effect of massage of uterus pain place in relief of labor pain. 35 women were in case group and 35 in control group.
 
In intervention group, massage of uterus pain place was performed for 30 minutes at foot (between interior malleolus and foot heel) and in control group, massage was performed for 30 minutes but on other area. The questionnaires were completed before and after massage. Severity of labor pain was measured by Visual Analog Scale. Data analyzing was performed by SPSS software (version 16) and Chi-square and Wilcoxon tests were used to compare the effect of reflexology on relieving the labor pain in two groups.
 
Results: Massage of uterus pain (intervention group) with decreasing of labor pain had significant relation (p=0.001), but there was no significant relation between massage of uterus pain place and duration of labor (p=0.59).
 
Conclusion: Massage of uterus pain place is effective in relief of labor pain but it doesn’t affect in decrease of labor duration.

Keywords

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The Iranian Journal of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Infertility
Volume 14, Issue 8 - Serial Number 8
February 2012
Pages 34-38

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