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Effects of massage therapy and presence of attendant on pain, anxiety and satisfaction during labor

Archives of Gynecology and Obstetrics volume 286, pages 19–23 (2012)Cite this article

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.

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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

  1. Students’ Scientific Research Center, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran

    Seyedeh Hamideh Mortazavi & Siavash Khaki

  2. Department of Midwifery, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Tehran University of Medical Science, Nosrat St. Tohid sq, Tehran, Iran

    Rayhaneh Moradi & Seyedeh Fatemeh Vasegh Rahimparvar

  3. Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran

    Kazem Heidari

Authors
  1. Seyedeh Hamideh Mortazavi
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  2. Siavash Khaki
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  3. Rayhaneh Moradi
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  5. Seyedeh Fatemeh Vasegh Rahimparvar
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Correspondence to Seyedeh Fatemeh Vasegh Rahimparvar.

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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

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00404-012-2227-4

Keywords

  • Anxiety
  • Attendant
  • Labor support
  • Massage therapy
  • Pain
  • Satisfaction