[Effectiveness of non-pharmacological strategies in relieving labor pain]

Rev Esc Enferm USP. 2009 Jun;43(2):438-45. doi: 10.1590/s0080-62342009000200025.
[Article in Portuguese]

Abstract

The study objective was to evaluate the effectiveness of non-pharmacological strategies to relieve pain in parturients in labor. This is a before and after therapeutic intervention clinical trial, performed at a public maternity in the city of Natal, in the state of Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil, with 100 parturients applying breathing exercises, muscle relaxation, lumbosacral massage, and showers. A visual analogue scale was used for data collection. Most parturients were between 20- and 30-years-old (60%), had incomplete primary-level education (85%), family income of up to 2 minimum salaries (74%), and 78% had a companion with them at the hospital. Oxytocine was administered in 81% of cases, but 15% did not receive any medication. A significant difference was observed in pain relief after using non-pharmacological strategies, showing reduced pain as cervix dilation increased. It was concluded that the strategies were effective in reducing the intensity of pain in the studied parturients in labor.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial
  • English Abstract
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Analgesia, Obstetrical / methods*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Labor Pain / therapy*
  • Physical Therapy Modalities
  • Pregnancy
  • Young Adult