The Effect of Effleurage Massage On Labor Pain, Anxiety Level, and Duration of Labor: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

Objective: The aims was to investigate the effects of effleurage massage on pregnant women's anxiety level, the degree of their labor pain, and the duration of their labor process. Methods: This randomized controlled study was conducted with 64 pregnant women, divided into two groups. The pregnant women in the experimental group underwent effleurage message for 30 minutes when dilatation was D1 (3-4 cm), D2 (5-6 cm) and D3 (8-9 cm), and all women received routine care. Data were collected using the Socio-demographic Form, State and Trait Anxiety Inventories, Visual Analogue Scale, Labor Process Assessment Form, and the End of Labor Assessment Form. Results: The experimental group pain scores and anxiety scores were significantly lower than controls (p=0.001 and; p<0.05, respectively). Furthermore, the labor duration of the experimental group was significantly shorter than controls (p=0.001). Conclusion: Effleurage massage appears to be effective in reducing labor pain and anxiety, and also shortened the duration of labor in this population.

Keywords

• Anxiety
• effleurage
• labor
• pain
• pregnant.

Project Number

TYL-2017-8679

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