Abstract
Purpose
To investigate the effects of massage and presenting an attendant on pain, anxiety and satisfaction during labor to clarify some aspects of using an alternative complementary strategy.
Methods
120 primiparous women with term pregnancy were divided into massage, attendant and control groups randomly. Massage group received firm and rhythmic massage during labor in three phases. After 30 min massage at each stage, pain, anxiety and satisfaction levels were evaluated. Self-reported present pain intensity scale was used to measure the labor pain. Anxiety and satisfaction were measured with the standard visual analog scale.
Results
Massage group had lower pain state in second and third phases (p < 0.05) in comparison with attendant group but reversely, the level of anxiety was lower in attendant group in second and third phases (p < 0.05) and satisfaction was higher in massage group in all four phases (p < 0.001). The massage group had lower pain and anxiety state in three phases in comparison with control group (p < 0.05). Data analysis of satisfaction level showed higher values in four phases in massage group compared with control (p < 0.001) and comparison of attendant and control groups showed higher satisfaction in attendant group in phases 2, 3 and 4 as well (p < 0.001). Duration of active phase was lower in massage group (p < 0.001).
Conclusions
Findings suggest that massage is an effective alternative intervention, decreasing pain and anxiety during labor and increasing the level of satisfaction. Also, the supportive role of presenting an attendant can positively influence the level of anxiety and satisfaction.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Chaillet N, Dubé E, Dugas M, Francoeur D, Dubé J, Gagnon S et al (2007) Identifying barriers and facilitators towards implementing guidelines to reduce caesarean section rates in Quebec. Bull World Health Organ 85:791–797
Sommer P (1980) Can touch make a difference in nursing care? An experimental study. Tex nurs 54(3):30
Alehagen S, Wijma B, Lundberg U, Wijma K (2005) Fear, pain and stress hormones during childbirth. J Psychosom Obstet Gynecol 26(3):153–165
Harrison RF, Woods T, Shore M, Mathews G, Unwin A (1987) Pain relief in labour using transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (Tens). A Tens/Tens placebo controlled study in two parity groups. Obstet Anesth Dig 7(1):21
Mobily PR, Herr KA, Nicholson AC (1994) Validation of cutaneous stimulation interventions for pain management. Int J Nurs Stud 31(6):533
Richardson P (1984) The body boundary experience of women in labor: a framework for care. Matern Child Nurs J 13(2):91
Simkin PP, O’Hara MA (2002) Nonpharmacologic relief of pain during labor: systematic reviews of five methods. Am J Obstet Gynecol 186(5):S131–S159
Chaitow L, DeLany J (2008) Clinical application of neuromuscular techniques. In: The upper body. vol. 2, Elsevier Health Sciences, pp 154–207
Aourell M, Skoog M, Carleson J (2005) Effects of Swedish massage on blood pressure. Complement Ther Clin Pract 11(4):242–246
Iréne L (2000) Massage as a pain relieving method. Physiotherapy 86(12):638–654
Bastard J, Tiran D (2006) Aromatherapy and massage for antenatal anxiety: Its effect on the fetus. Complement Ther Clin Pract 12(1):48–54
Chatchawan U, Thinkhamrop B, Kharmwan S, Knowles J, Eungpinichpong W (2005) Effectiveness of traditional Thai massage versus Swedish massage among patients with back pain associated with myofascial trigger points. J Bodywork Mov Ther 9(4):298–309
Field T, Hernandez-Reif M, Diego M (2006) Newborns of depressed mothers who received moderate versus light pressure massage during pregnancy. Infant Behav Dev 29(1):54–58
Lewith GT, Jonas WB, Walach H (2002) Clinical Research in Complementary therapies. In: Principles, problems and solutions, vol. 5, Elsevier Health Sciences, p 270
Campbell DA, Lake MF, Falk M, Backstrand JR (2006) A randomized control trial of continuous support in labor by a lay doula. J Obstet Gynecol Neonatal Nurs 35(4):456–464
Keenan P (2000) Benefits of massage therapy and use of a doula during labor and childbirth. Altern Ther Health Med 6(1):66
Bonnel AM, Boureau F (1985) Labor pain assessment: validity of a behavioral index. Pain (Amsterdam) 22(1):81–90
Gift AG (1989) Visual analogue scales: measurement of subjective phenomena. Nurs Res 38(5):286
khodaKarami N, Safarzadeh A, Fathizadeh N (2008) Effect of massage therapy on severity of pain and outcome of labor in primipara. Iran J Nurs Midwifery Res 12(1):6
Kimber L, McNabb M, Mc Court C, Haines A, Brocklehurst P (2008) Massage or music for pain relief in labour: a pilot randomised placebo controlled trial. Eur J Pain 12(8):961–969
Chang MY, Chen CH, Huang KF (2006) A comparison of massage effects on labor pain using the McGill pain questionnaire. J Nurs Res 14(3):190–197
Nabb MTM, Kimber L, Haines A, McCourt C (2006) Does regular massage from late pregnancy to birth decrease maternal pain perception during labour and birth?—A feasibility study to investigate a programme of massage, controlled breathing and visualization, from 36 weeks of pregnancy until birth. Complement Ther Clin Pract 12(3):222–231
Latifses V, Bendell Estroff D, Field T, Bush JP (2005) Fathers massaging and relaxing their pregnant wives lowered anxiety and facilitated marital adjustment. J Bodyw Mov Ther 9(4):277–282
Chang MY, Wang SY, Chen CH (2002) Effects of massage on pain and anxiety during labour: a randomized controlled trial in Taiwan. J Adv Nurs 38(1):68–73
McGrath SK, Kennell JH (2008) A randomized controlled trial of continuous labor support for middle-class couples: effect on cesarean delivery rates. Obstet Gynecol Surv 63(10):620
Acknowledgments
This research has been supported by Students’ Scientific Research Center of Tehran University of Medical Sciences and health Services grant. The authors would also want to acknowledge Baharlou hospital, as the educational hospital of Tehran University of Medical Sciences for providing all the assistance and cooperation for this research.
Conflict of interest
None.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding author
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Mortazavi, S.H., Khaki, S., Moradi, R. et al. Effects of massage therapy and presence of attendant on pain, anxiety and satisfaction during labor. Arch Gynecol Obstet 286, 19–23 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00404-012-2227-4
Received:
Accepted:
Published:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00404-012-2227-4