Nonpharmacological Methods Used in the Management of Labor Pain

Abstract

Although childbirth is a physiological process for women, it also affects the health of the mother physically, spiritually and socially and is seen as a unique experience that is important for a woman's transition to the role of motherhood. The fears that pregnant women experience about childbirth can lead to the formation of fear and pain of childbirth along with physiological, hormonal and psychological changes. In cases where the pain during childbirth, which is a natural process, cannot be tolerated, the health of both the mother and the fetus can be negatively affected. Circulatory, respiratory, neuroendocrine and limbic systems are negatively affected in the mother, while complications due to hypoxia may be observed in the fetus. There are many complementary and alternative methods used in the management of birth pain and supported by clinacally controlled research. According to studies, it is emphasized that 73% of women worldwide use at least one nonpharmacological method to reduce pain during childbirth. These techniques: They can be grouped as applied techniques including physical stimulation, mental stimulation and relaxation techniques, position changes and breathing techniques. Studies have reported that with these methods used during birth, women's attention is directed to different areas during pain, their pain thresholds increase, they relax, the utero-placental circulation is relieved, and the perception of labor pain decreases. As a result, many studies have reported that the use of non-pharmacological methods in the management of labor pain is quite effective, but it has been determined that more studies are needed on some methods.