Labor Pain Research Articles

Attitudes and knowledge about labour pain management methods among polish women

Attitudes and knowledge about labour pain management methods among polish women

Study of the Potential for Using Virtual Reality (VR) Technology in Reducing Pain and Anxiety During Childbirth: A Systematic Literature Review

Introduction: Childbirth is a natural physiological process, but it can cause significant pain and anxiety for the mother. Labor pain can have a negative impact on the health of the mother and fetus, while anxiety can worsen the pain and slow down the labor process. Virtual reality (VR) technology is a non-pharmacological method that has the potential to reduce pain and anxiety during labor. This study aims to examine the potential of using VR technology to reduce pain and anxiety during childbirth.
 Methods: This research was conducted using a systematic literature review method. The search and article selection process was carried out through the Google Scholar and PubMed search engines. Article inclusion criteria are research articles that use quantitative methods, are published in scientific journals, and are in English or Indonesian.
 Results: The research results show that VR technology can reduce pain and anxiety during labor. Labor pain can be reduced by up to 20%, while anxiety can be reduced by up to 50%. VR technology can work by diverting the mother's attention from pain and anxiety, as well as increasing the production of endorphins, which function as natural analgesics.
 Conclusion: VR technology is a potential method for reducing pain and anxiety during labor. VR technology can be a safe and effective alternative non-pharmacological method for reducing pain and anxiety during labor.

The effect of effleurage massage on decreasing active first period labor pain: A literature review

Introduction: Labor pain is a visceral nociceptive pain caused by contractions and cervical dilatation. Pain that occurs can affect the mother's condition in the form of fatigue, fear, worry, and stress. Effleurage massage is one of the effective non-pharmacological methods to overcome labor pain. Effleurage massage aims to improve blood circulation, warm abdominal muscles, and promote physical and mental relaxation. This study aims to determine v in the first phase of active labor. Method: This study uses a literature review method with a quasi-experiment research design. Literature search sources used five databases namely Google Scholar, PUBMED, and Science Direct with published years 2018-2023. Study selection according to inclusion criteria with a prism checklist of abstract titles, full text and assessed the feasibility of further studies analyzed from the study findings. Result and Discussion: The search results found 6 journals that met the inclusion criteria. From the overall review of 6 journal articles, it was found that 5 journal articles had a significant effect of giving effleurage massage on labor pain during the active phase I. In contrast, 1 article did not have a significant effect between effleurage and counter-pressure in reducing labor pain. Conclusion: Effleurage massage affects reducing the level of labor pain during the active phase I.

Non-pharmacological labor pain relive methods: utilization and associated factors among midwives and maternity nurses in Najran, Saudi Arabia

BackgroundTraditionally, pharmacological pain relief methods have been the most acceptable option for controlling labor pain, accompanied by numerous adverse consequences. Non-pharmacological labor pain relive methods can reduce labor pain while maintaining an effective and satisfying delivery experience and delaying the use of pharmacological methods. This study explores the utilization of non-pharmacological labor pain relive methods and its associated factors among midwives and maternity nurses.MethodsA cross-sectional research was conducted in Maternal and Children Hospital/Najran, Saudi Arabia, from April to May 2023 and incorporated a convenience sample of 164 midwives and maternity nurses. The data was collected using a self-reported questionnaire composed of five sections; basic data, facility-related factors, non-pharmacological labor pain relive utilization and attitude scales, and knowledge quiz. A logistic regression was used to determine the associated factors with non-pharmacological labor pain relive utilization.ResultsThe results revealed that 68.3% of participants utilized non-pharmacological labor pain relive methods. The midwives and maternity nurses helped the parturient to tolerate labor pain by applying the non-pharmacological labor pain relive methods, including; positioning (55.5%), breathing exercises (53.7%), comfortable and relaxing environment (52.4%), therapeutic communication (47%), positive reinforcement (40.9%), relaxation (40.2%), and therapeutic touch (31%). In addition, working unit, providers-patient ratio, working hours, non-pharmacological labor pain relive training, years of experience, and non-pharmacological labor pain relive attitude were significant determinants of non-pharmacological labor pain relive utilization (P < 0.05).ConclusionsHigh non-pharmacological labor pain relive utilization was significantly associated with nurses' older age and higher education, working in the delivery room, lower nurse-patient ratio, lower working hours, in-services training, increased years of experience, and positive attitude. The study sheds light on the importance of handling the pre-mentioned factors to enhance non-pharmacological labor pain relive utilization.

Integrating scenario game-based learning with the experiential learning strategy to facilitate nursing students’ learning performance and core competencies in labor support training

ABSTRACT Nursing students participating in labor support training need to learn core clinical skills to assess the delivery process to reduce the risk and labor pain of pregnant women. We proposed an approach to integrate scenario game-based learning with the experiential learning strategy to facilitate nursing students' learning performance and six core competencies (6CCs) (communication, collaboration, critical thinking, complex problem solving, creative thinking, and computational thinking) during labor support training. This study adopted a quasi-experimental study with a pretest and posttest design. We randomly allocated 44 first-year nursing students at a university nursing school to an experimental group (adopted scenario game-based learning integrated with the experiential learning strategy) (n = 21) or a control group (adopted video-based learning) (n = 23). Before and after the intervention, all students were assessed for their learning performance and 6CCs in labor support. The results showed that the experimental group exhibited significantly better learning performance and 6CCs than the control group, indicating that the integration of a scenario game-based learning with the experiential learning strategy validated a strong impact on nursing students' labor support training. Nurse scholars should deliberately incorporate appropriate technologies and learning strategies to facilitate nursing education.

Thesis The Effect Of Warm Compresses On The Intensity Of Pain During The 1st Active Phase At Syekh Yusuf Gowa Hospital In 2020

Childbirth is a physiological event in every woman's development into motherhood. This event can cause trauma because of the pain experienced, hot compresses are one method to overcome pain. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of warm compresses on the intensity of labor pain during the 1st active phase at Syekh Yusuf Gowa Hospital.This type of research uses quantitative research with a quasi-experimental research design. The research design is one group pretest and postest design. Sampling technique with purposive sampling. The sample size was 30 respondents. Analysis using statistical test Mc Nemart test. The results showed that before the warm compress there were 8 people (26.7%) who experienced mild pain and 22 people (73.3%) who experienced severe pain. After being given warm compresses there were 8 (26.7%) who changed mild pain to severe and there were 22 (73.3%) people who changed from severe pain to mild pain. Based on the Mc Nemart test.then obtained the value of ρ = 0.000 &lt; 0.05, it can be concluded the effect of warm compresses on the intensity of labor pain when 1 phase is active. The conclusion of this study is that warm compresses are effective in reducing the intensity of labor pain during the active phase I at Syekh Yusuf Gowa Hospital. And it is hoped that health workers or midwives can apply warm water compresses to reduce pain in maternity mothers

The relationship between Iranian women’s perception of their birth team’s compliance with medical ethics and their perception of labor pain

BackgroundA safe and satisfactory childbirth experience with the least amount of pain constitutes one of the main domains of reproductive healthcare. The most important aspect of labor pain management is the moral and professional commitment of the health professionals and caregivers involved in creating a pleasant delivery. The present study examines the relationship between Iranian women’s perceptions of their birth team’s compliance with medical ethics and their perception of labor pain.MethodsThis cross-sectional study was conducted on 200 women opting for natural childbirth. The samples were selected by convenience sampling. Three questionnaires, including a demographic information questionnaire, the perception of labor pain questionnaire, and the medical ethics attitude in vaginal delivery questionnaire, were used to collect data. The data were entered into SPSS 22 and analyzed using correlation coefficient and multiple regression tests. The significance level for data analysis was set as less than 0.05.ResultsThe results of the regression analysis showed that among the four principles of medical ethics, only the second and third principles (beneficence and non-maleficence) predicted the perception of labor pain (B = -0.267, P < 0.037). Among the different domains of these principles, the areas of giving the necessary information to the mother (B = -0.199, P = 0.001), respecting the mother’s privacy (B = -0.194, P = 0.001), interaction with the mother (B = -0.287, P = 0.001) and assurance of fetal health (B = -0.492, P = 0.001) were predictors of labor pain perception score.ConclusionsCompliance of the birth team with respecting the mother’s privacy, having friendly interactions with the mother and giving fetal health assurance to the mother can be a predictor of the mother’s decreased perception of labor pain.

Evaluation of a short in-person and online antenatal educational intervention for high-risk pregnant women linked to antenatal consultation.

The aim of this study was to evaluate a short educational intervention that focused on labor pain (through visual analogue scale, VAS), postpartum anxiety, and birthing experience before and during the SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) pandemic. This was a quasi-experimental study conducted between November 2019 and May 2021 in Brazil in 100 women with a high-risk pregnancy in the third trimester of pregnancy with an intervention group with in-person or virtual sessions (during the COVID-19 pandemic) and a non-intervention group. The antenatal intervention included breathing and relaxation techniques, upright positions, and information about labor. For evaluation, an antenatal questionnaire, State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) and a postpartum questionnaire were used. For data analysis, Student's t-test, chi-squared and Fisher's exact tests, ANOVA, bivariate, and multivariate regression analysis, were used. When comparing the women in the intervention group to the non-intervention group, it was observed that the latter group reported higher fear of pain at labor during antenatal consultations (p<0.013); more women needed analgesia at 0-4 cm dilation (17/40) (p<0.018); the duration of labor was ≥12 hours (37/50) (p<0.037); while the intervention reported having a regular, good or excellent labor period (36/50) (p=0.014). The multiple regression analysis for labor pain showed a significant relationship between mode of delivery (cesarean delivery: RR; SE -21.43; 5.32, p<0.001) and labor pain, and good satisfaction with labor (RR; SE -13.86; 6.40, p=0.033). Women from the intervention group had more satisfaction and less pain during labor than women from the non-intervention group.

The Effect of Ice Massage Applied to the SP6 Point on Labor Pain, Labor Comfort, Labor Duration, and Anxiety: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

Acupressure and cold application are nonpharmacologic methods that midwives can use for labor pain. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of ice massage applied to the SP6 acupressure point during labor on labor pain, labor comfort, labor duration, and anxiety. A single-masked, randomized controlled trial was conducted with 100 nulliparous women, including 50 in the intervention group and 50 in the control group. Rotational ice massage was applied to the SP6 point on both legs of the pregnant women in the intervention group at 4 to 5 cm, 6 to 7 cm, and 8 to 9 cm dilation amounts during 3 contractions. Routine oxytocin was administered to all pregnant women to promote progress of labor. Standard midwifery care was provided to the control group. Data were collected using a Personal Information Form, the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), a partograph form, the Childbirth Comfort Questionnaire (CCQ), and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory State subscale. The VAS pain scores of the pregnant women in the intervention group were significantly lower compared with the control group following the intervention at dilatations of 4 to 5 cm, 6 to 7 cm, and 8 to 9 cm (P = .001, P = .003, P <.001, respectively). The total CCQ and comfort level scores of the pregnant women in the intervention group at 8 to 9 cm cervical dilatation were significantly higher than the control group (P = 0.044, P = .027, respectively). Additionally, as the anxiety levels of the pregnant women increased, their total comfort scores decreased (P <.05). Ice application to the SP6 point during stage 1 of childbirth reduced labor pain, increased comfort, and reduced anxiety levels. No adverse events were found in the intervention group with ice massage applied to the SP6 point. Therefore, this method can be used as a safe and effective midwifery intervention in childbirth.

Effect of Pethidine Injection on the Duration of Labor and Pregnancy Outcomes: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

Background and Objectives: Long and ineffective labor causes hardships for mothers and doctors and increases the rate of cesarean sections and medical comorbidities. Several factors contribute to effective and less painful labor, including maternal age, parity, fetal characteristics, and the medications or procedures that obstetricians use for labor. We aimed to study the factors that affect labor duration and identify those that make labor more effective. Materials and Methods: This retrospective study included 141 patients who underwent normal vaginal deliveries at the Daegu Catholic University Medical Center between April 2013 and April 2022. Among the 141 patients, 44 received pethidine intravenously, 88 received oxytocin intravenously, and 64 received epidural anesthesia. The duration of the active phase and second stage of labor were recorded according to the findings of a manual examination of the cervix and continuous external electronic monitoring. We analyzed maternal and neonatal medical records and performed binomial logistic regression to identify the factors associated with a shorter active phase of labor. The clinical outcomes in mothers and neonates were also evaluated. Results: Among the various clinical factors, multiparity (odds ratio of parity 0.325) and the use of pethidine (odds ratio 2.906) were significantly associated with shortening the active phase of labor to less than 60 min. The use of epidural anesthesia or oxytocin was not significantly associated with reducing the active phase of labor. When patients were divided into two groups based on whether a pethidine injection had been used during labor, the duration of the active phase was shorter in the pethidine injection group than in the control group for both nulliparas and multiparas. No significant differences in the duration of the second stage of labor were observed between the pethidine injection and control groups. There were no significant differences in pregnancy outcomes, including the need for mechanical ventilation of neonates, Apgar scores, neonatal intensive care unit admissions, number of precipitous deliveries, maternal adverse side effects of drugs, or duration of maternal hospitalization between the two groups. Conclusions: Pethidine can be safely administered to women during labor to help reduce the duration of the active phase by promoting dilatation of the cervix and preventing complications that may result from prolonged labor. Pethidine may be helpful, especially for those who cannot receive epidural anesthesia or who cannot afford it. However, large-scale randomized controlled studies are required to evaluate the efficacy and safety of this drug during labor. Furthermore, it would be helpful if various studies were conducted depending on the timing of administration and indications for delivery.

O-03 Adrenalectomy for Cushing's syndrome during pregnancy

Abstract Introduction Cushing's syndrome (CS) is rare in pregnancy because CS itself is a cause of anovulatory infertility due to excess cortisol secretion. Moreover it is also difficult to diagnose CS in pregnancy because placental production of corticotropin releasing and adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), increased maternal production of estrogen induced corticosteroid binding globulin leads to physiological hypercortisolism during pregnancy. So physicians face a clinical overlap in many features of CS such as weight gain, fatigue, edema, hypertension, hyperglycemia, stretch marks, mood changes that can also be attributed to pregnancy. Thus their coexistence represents a diagnostic challenge. Herein we report a case of CS that was diagnosed and successfully treated during pregnancy. Clinical Case A 43-year-old gravida 3 female was consulted at the 21st week of gestation with persistent high blood pressure and hyperglycemia for a month. She had an obstetric history of 2 spontaneous first term abortion, 2 healthy labor 18 years ago and she was healthy after. She was in such a depressive mood that she was consulted with psychiatry many times. On physical examination edema, proximal weakness of lower extremities and hirsutism (modified Ferriman–Gallwey score of 9) was detected. Initial laboratory tests were all within normal range except potassium level (2.7 mmol/L), the results were not consistent with preeclampsia and there was a suspicious adrenal mass detected on ultrasound. She was currently receiving high dose antihypertensive treatment with methyldopa, calcium channel blockers, rapid acting and detemir insulin for diabetes and i.v. potassium replacement. We ruled out conns syndrome with normal plasma aldosterone renin ratio and found catecholamine levels normal. Hormonal analyses revealed with high plasma cortisol levels, increased nocturnal cortisolemia, a suppressed plasma ACTH and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate level and distinctly elevated 24-hour urinary cortisol greater than 3-fold the upper normal reference range. Non contrast magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated a 47×32 mm left adrenal mass. Laparoscopic adrenalectomy was performed in the 26th week of gestation and the following histopathology revealed an adrenocortical adenoma. Antihypertensive medication was progressively reduced, glycemic control and hypokalemia reversal were achieved. She was followed up with appropriate glucocorticoid replacement. At 34 weeks of gestation, after sudden labor pain and regular uterine contractions a 2586 g male infant with Apgar scores of 8 was born by cesarean section. They were discharged in good health. Conclusion CS should be kept in mind especially in the case of hypertension and diabetes that started before the 20th gestational age. Analysis of the urinary free cortisol level and circadian rhythm of cortisol is necessary to diagnose. Despite the diagnostic challenge we can achieve better maternal and fetal outcomes with proper management.Figure 1.Non-contrast magnetic resonance imaging of the patient Table 1.Patient's laboratuary test results Table 2.Patient's laboratory test results

To Analyze Pilates’ Impact on the Childbirth Process and its Results in Pregnant Females : Observational Study

Background: Pilates Method as been a popular background for almost a century and is now used worldwide as a form of fitness and holistic health because it can be tailored to individual needs and fitness levels. Lucia first advised mat exercises performed on the floor, adapting them to individual physical and temporal constraints without compromising the wider element. He later labeled a series of specialized devices, including springs and rollers, that provide resistance to develop divergent movement patterns.13Performing exercise with medium intensity has positive effects on the maternal health. The goal of obstetriccare is to provide the right conditions for a safe delivery and make it a pleasant experience. Labor pain is anunavoidable component ofchild birth whose proper management, despite the great advances in midwifery, is still one of the major challenges related to women’s health. Pregnant women should also be clinically evaluated before starting exercise to ensure there is no medical reason to stop exercising.Methods:Patients were randomly divided into two groups of 15 people in each group. In the intervention group,a Pilates exercise program was developed in collaboration with a Pilates trainer. The program was tailored to the susceptibility of pregnant women and was administered twice weekly for 8 weeks.Four tools were used in this study, including a two-part checklist, the Borg Rating of Perceived Exertion (RPE),the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), and the McKee Childbirth Satisfaction Rating Scale. A two-section checklist was used in this study to collect the required information.Conclusion:, According to the results of this study, Pilates exercise during pregnancy is a safe method to reduce the length of the active phase and second stage of labor, reducelabor pain, and increase maternal satisfaction with the child birth process. However, Pilates exercise did not significantlyreduce the need to episiotomy and caesarean section.

Assessing the Effectiveness of Aroma Therapy on Reduction of Labour Pain during First Stage of Labour in Primigravida Mothers in Selected Hospital of Haldwani, Uttarakhand

Labour pain is an unpleasant sensory and emotional experience that is caused by uterine contraction. The management of labour pain by various non-pharmacological measures such as breathing exercise, aromatherapy, back massage and music therapy is helpful. These techniques provide sensory input to the brain to promote relaxation, enhance positive thoughts and transmission of nociceptive stimuli of pain. However, massage therapy is commonly given during labour to reduce labour pain with essential oil to promote relaxation, reduce anxiety and shorten the perception of labour pain. The present study aimed to reduce the level of labour pain in first stage of labour and response of olive oil back massage as reported by primigravida mothers. Quantitative research approach and quasi-experimental (pre-test and post-test control group design) was used. Purposive sampling technique was used for selection of 60 primigravida mothers in selected hospital of Haldwani (Uttarakhand) fulfilling the inclusion criteria. The effectiveness of the olive back massage was assessed by numeric pain rating scale and structured interviews to assess the response of primigravida mothers regarding olive oil back massage. The study result revealed that out of 60 samples, in experimental group maximum 17 (56.67%) of mothers belonged to the age group of 19-25 years, 8 (26.67%) mothers had secondary education; majority (n=28, 93.33%) were home makers. In control group 17 (56.67%) mothers were in age range19-25 years, about a fourth of them (n=7, 23.33%) mothers were graduates, 28 (93.33%) mothers were home makers. The mean percentage difference between the pre-test and post-test scores of labour showed that in experimental group ‘t’ value 01-02 was 15.425, 03-04 was 16.155, and O5-O6 was 5.572 while ‘t’ values in control group were 8.266, 5.442 and 5.769, respectively. Thus, olive oil back massage was significantly effective in reducing the level of pain in experimental group at 0.05 level of significance. No significant association was found in the level of labour pain when compared to the age and education. Significant statistical association was found between labour pain and the type of family at p&lt;0.05 in the experimental group. To conclude, the olive oil back massage was effective to reduce labour pain in the first stage of labour in primigravida mothers because the level of labour pain was reduced after olive oil back massage in the experimental group.

Effectiveness of Non-Pharmacological Strategy on Labor Pain Reduction Among Parturition Primi Mothers at Pudukkottai

“There is a secret in our culture, and it’s not that birth is painful. It’s that women are strong." Childbirth is a natural process that occurs when the woman gives birth to a child. Childbirth can be a challenging experience for many, both physically and emotionally. Pain management techniques such as breathing exercises, relaxation techniques, and medication can help alleviate discomfort during labor. Some mothers, during labor, experience a severe amount of pain that can be controlled by medication. The research aims to identify the efficacy of circular hip massage in limiting labor pain. Design of the Study: The experimental (post-test only control group) study design was used. The study was done for around one week. Problem Statement: An accurate experimental study to evaluate the efficacy of a non-pharmacological approach to the limitation of labor pain during the early stage of labor among parturient first Gravida mothers admitted in selected hospitals at Pudukkottai. Study Sample: A non-probability (convenient sampling) sample of around 60 primi participants (30 of them in the experimental &amp; 30 of them in the control group) mothers were included in the study. Study Setting: The study was conducted at Illuppur government hospital (experimental) &amp; Annavasal government hospital (control). Results: Study results present that in the post-test for the control group, 66.67% of the majority experienced severe pain, and about 33.33% experienced moderate pain, whereas, in the experimental group, 56.67% of the majority experienced mild pain and about 43.33% experienced moderate pain.

Effectiveness of Dark Chocolate and Carrot Juice on Perceived Labor Pain During Stage 1 of Birth Delivery Among Primigravida: A Quasi-Experimental Study.

Dark chocolate and carrot juice may positively decline the pain. However, there is a lack evidence the impact of combination dark chocolate and carrot juice on labor pain during stage 1 of birth delivery among primigravida. This study aimed to examine the effectiveness of dark chocolate and carrot juice on perceived labor pain during stage 1 of birth delivery among primigravida. This was a quasi-experimental study with participants who received dark chocolate (n=30), carrot juice (n=30), and control group (n=30). Pain level was assessed by using the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) before the intervention and at 30 hours after intervention. The Chi-square and one-way analysis of variance tests and general equational model were used. Data were collected and analyzed before and after 60 minutes of intervention. Our results showed a significant interaction between the group and time, with both groups independently ameliorating labor pain. Dark chocolate and carrot juice therapies independently lowered pain labor in primigravida mothers, making them a viable treatment for advanced pain labor.

Predictors of labor pain management among pregnant women in Ethiopia: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Labor pain is the nastiest conceivable pain women are involved in during labor and delivery. In this way, the end of labor pain is frequently outlined by myths and equivocalness. Hence, giving a compelling absence of pain in labor remained a challenge specifically in developing countries including Ethiopia. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to explore the pooled prevalence of labor analgesia and associated factors to pregnant women in Ethiopia. A systematic review and meta-analysis were utilized in agreement with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews. PubMed/Medline, SCOPUS, EMBASE, Web of Science, Google Scholars, and the Cochrane Library and supplemented it with manual were deliberately looked at until January 1-30, 2024. Two authors independently extricated all principal information utilizing standardized data extraction designs, and the analysis was done utilizing STATA version 17. Heterogeneity over the studies was evaluated utilizing I2 measurement. The funnel plot and Egger's weighted regression tests were utilized to assess subjective and objective publication biases respectively. Also, the pooled effect of labor pain management and the associations were evaluated utilizing a random-effects model. The general pooled prevalence of labor analgesia in the present study was 23.3% with a (95% confidence interval (CI): 13.5, 33.1). Maternal age (odds ratio (OR): 1.91; 95% CI: 1.11, 2.77), parity of the mother (OR: 0.28; 95% CI: 0.06, 0.63), history of pregnancy misfortune (OR: 0.12; 95% CI: 0.11, 0.36), length of labor (OR: 2.09; 95% CI: 1.06, 3.13), and awareness about labor analgesia (OR: 1.91; 95% CI: 0.34, 3.49) were significantly related with labor analgesia among pregnant women in Ethiopia. The generally pooled prevalence of labor analgesia among pregnant women in Ethiopia was low. Maternal age, parity of the mother, history of pregnancy loss, length of labor, and awareness of labor analgesia were factors influencing labor analgesia among pregnant women in Ethiopia. This finding proposes exceptional consideration to make laboring mothers free of pain by scaling up the strategies and utilizing labor pain administration in a way that universally recognized standards are met. PROSPERO CRD: 42024525636.

Hypnobirthing Training for First-Time Mothers: Pain, Anxiety and Postpartum Wellbeing.

Childbirth represents a significant life event, bringing about both physical and emotional transformations in a woman's life. Among other psychological aspects associated with childbirth, labor pain, death anxiety, and postpartum depression have garnered significant attention in the field of maternal and reproductive health. This study is intended to evaluate how the effectiveness of hypnobirthing training alleviates labor pain, mitigates death anxiety enhances postpartum well-being reduces labor hours, and how anxiety exacerbates the duration of labor. Data were collected from (N = 50) young and middle-aged postpartum women in the outpatient obstetrics and gynecology departments of the Civil Hospital, Waseer Gynecology Hospital and Basic Health Unit Jalal Ballagan in Gujranwala, Pakistan, by using the convenience sampling technique. Out of 50, women were divided into a control (N = 25) and an experimental group (N = 25). They were recruited during their 33 weeks of pregnancy until childbirth for hypnobirthing training. Numerical Pain Rating Scale (NPRS), Templer Death Anxiety Scale (TDAS), and Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) were used to collect participants' responses. Findings proved hypnobirthing training as a catalyst in significantly reducing labor pain, death anxiety, and postpartum depression. Furthermore, the analysis indicated that death anxiety exacerbates the labor duration hours and hypnobirthing decreases the labor hours in the experimental group of women. It sheds light on the effectiveness of hypnobirthing training to enhance the birthing process. Findings underscore the significance of collaboration between obstetricians, psychologists, and mental health professionals to develop integrated care plans that address both physical and psychological aspects of childbirth.

Influence of diagnosis of gestational diabetes mellitus on fear of childbirth

IntroductionConsidering the relationship between Gestational Diabetes Mellitus and maternal and perinatal adverse outcomes, it's pertinent to investigate whether this diagnosis is a predictor of fear of childbirth. As there is little data about the fear of childbirth in Brazil, it´s necessary to understand better the population, and this way the authors can identify factors that influence this fear as well as propose public health policies to treat it. ObjectiveThe main goal was to compare the prevalence of fear of childbirth between the groups of low-risk pregnancy and gestational diabetes mellitus. Material and methodsIn this cohort study, the sample consisted of 319 patients divided into low-risk pregnancy group (n = 152) and gestational diabetes mellitus group (n = 167). Patients have undergone a semi-structured interview with epidemiological, obstetric, and anthropometric data and the main cause of fear of childbirth. In addition, the patients have marked an “X” on the scale into the Fear of Birth Scale to describe their fear. After delivery, data have been collected through electronic medical records. ResultsThe prevalence of fear of childbirth found was higher for the gestational diabetes mellitus group (46.05%) compared to the low-risk pregnancy group (34.73%) with a cutoff score ≥ 54. In the whole sample, the main cause of fear of childbirth (score ≥ 60) was the pain of labor and delivery (31.58%). ConclusionsThe prevalence of fear of childbirth in the present study was greater than 30%, highlighting the relevance of implementing this assessment during prenatal care.

Effectiveness of counterpressure technique with a birth ball on cervical dilatation and reduction of labour pain and uterine contractions: A prospective cohort study

Background/Aim: Non-pharmacological interventions play a crucial role in managing labour pain and facilitating labour progression. The counter-pressure technique is a commonly utilised method purported to alleviate pain and enhance cervical dilation during childbirth. However, its effective-ness remains a subject of debate, necessitating further investigation. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of the counterpressure technique in managing labour pain and influencing labour progression among women in labour. Method: A randomised controlled trial was conducted involving participants in active labour. The intervention group received the counterpres-sure technique, while the control group received standard care. Pain levels, uterine contractions and cervical dilation were assessed and compared between the two groups. Results: Analysis revealed no significant difference in pain levels or uterine contractions between the intervention and control groups. However, there was a significant increase in cervical dilation in the intervention group compared to the control group (p = 0.034, Cohen's d = -0.586). Conclusion: Despite the counterpressure technique's limited impact on pain relief and uterine contractions, it significantly facilitated cervical dilation during labour. These findings contribute to understanding of non-phar-macological interventions in childbirth and underscore the importance of evidence-based approaches to labour management. Further research is warranted to elucidate the underlying mechanisms of the counterpressure technique and optimise its implementation in clinical practice.

The Effect of Hot Shower and Progressive Muscle Relaxation Exercises in Labor on Labor Pain, Labor Duration, Fatigue and Birth Comfort; Randomized Controlled Study

The Effect of Hot Shower and Progressive Muscle Relaxation Exercises in Labor on Labor Pain, Labor Duration, Fatigue and Birth Comfort; Randomized Controlled Study