Positive Health Online

Abstract

YAZDKHASTI and PIRAK 1. Department of Midwifery, Faculty of Midwifery and Assistant Professor, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, IR Iran; 2. Department of Reproductive Health, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. Electronic address: pirak.arezoo@yahoo.com studied the effect of Lavender essence inhalation on severity of labour pain and duration of labour.

Background

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of Lavender essence inhalation on severity of labour pain and duration of labour.

Methodology

This single-blind, randomized clinical trial was conducted on 120 pregnant women in two groups. The experimental group received 2 drops of Lavender essence inhaled at three stages (4-5, 6-7, 8-9 cm cervical dilation) and severity of the labour pain and duration of labour was measured before and after intervention. The control group was treated with distilled water as a placebo in the similar ways, too.

Results

The results showed that difference in the labour pain before and after intervention in two groups was significant (P = 0/001). But there was no difference in mean duration of the active phase and the second stage of labour between the two groups.

Conclusion

Lavender essence aromatherapy may be an effective therapeutic option for pain management for women in labour.

References

Yazdkhasti M1, Pirak A2. The effect of aromatherapy with lavender essence on severity of labour pain and duration of labour in primiparous women.  Complement Ther Clin Pract. 25:81-86. Nov 2016. doi: 10.1016/j.ctcp.2016.08.008. Epub Aug 17 2016.

Comment

The above research study indicated that lavender significantly improved labour pain compared to placebo.