The most appropriate cervical dilatation for massage to reduce labor pain and anxiety: a randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Managing labor pain by performing massage is one of the useful strategies to reduce the rate of cesarean section and increase the tendency of women for pregnancy. Therefore, it is necessary to determine the best time for massage therapy to reduce the labor pain and anxiety. In this regard, the present study was conducted to determine the cervical dilatation appropriate for performing massage in order to reduce the labor pain and anxiety. METHODS: This randomized clinical trial study was conducted on 60 nulliparous pregnant women. Eligible participants with active phase of labor were divided randomly into two groups. The intervention group received the massage three times in of dilatation 5-7-9 cm for 20 min each time by same person without the use of oil in the LDR, based on Kimber massage instructions. In the control group, all routine care was performed except massage. Pain intensity was assessed using pain ruler. Demographic and anxiety data were collected through questionnaires. RESULTS: The difference between the mean pains in the studied groups was significant in 7 cm (p < 0.0001) of cervical dilatation but was not significant in 5 cm (p = 0.084) and 9 cm (p = 0.591) dilatation. Massage effectively decreased pain intensity. The mean maternal anxiety was not significant at the beginning of the study, but was significant after performing massage (p < 0.0001) and anxiety score in the massage group decreased from 63.36 ± 5.28 (severe anxiety) at the beginning to 42.60 ± 5.83 (moderate anxiety) at the end of the study. In the control group, it increased from 66.33 ± 7.66 to 67.1 ± 5.65. CONCLUSION: The appropriate dilatation of cervix for massage in order to reduce labor pain was observed in 7 cm. Also, massage had a significant effect on reducing anxiety. Therefore, massage is recommended as a routine care in 7 cm cervical dilatations. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This trial was registered with the Iran Trial Center (trial ID: IRCT20140118016255N5). https://en.irct.ir/trial/28120.

Effects of acupressure and shower applied in the delivery on the intensity of labor pain and postpartum comfort.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Labour pain is a constantly increasing pain. This study thus aims to determine the effects of acupressure and shower on labour pain and postpartum comfort. METHODS: In this randomized controlled trial (RCT), the control group consisted of 40 pregnant women, while the experimental groups consisted of 80 pregnant women in total. The experimental groups received routine labour care and either acupressure or showers upon reaching three cervical dilations (4-5, 6-7 and 8-10 cm). The control group only received routine labour care. A maternal information form (MIF), the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and the Postpartum Comfort Questionnaire (PPCQ) were used to collect data. RESULTS: Pain was significantly reduced in both of the experimental groups, in contrast to the control group, in all periods of the study (p < 0.001). Postpartum comfort also significantly increased in the experimental groups compared to the control group (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Acupressure and showering are effective in reducing labour pain and increasing postpartum comfort. Midwives and nurses can therefore apply them as inexpensive and easy to administer methods for labour pain relief.

Effect of intrapartum vitamin D levels on labor pain.

AIM: Vitamin D has widespread receptor distribution in the body, and therefore it has vital roles in numerous pathophysiological conditions. It also affects pain manifestation through its functions at various stages of the pain pathways. This study aimed to investigate the effects of intrapartum vitamin D levels on pain experienced by women during the first stage of labor. METHODS: A total of 127 term-nulliparous women at the early stage of labor were included in the study. Serum 25 (OH) vitamin D levels were measured at the beginning of labor to determine intrapartum vitamin D levels. Labor pain was assessed using the Visual Analog Scale at different stages of cervical dilation (VAS0 , VAS1 , VAS2 ). Postpartum pain (VASpp ) and women's birth satisfaction score (BSS) were also evaluated during the early postpartum period. RESULTS: There was a moderate negative correlation between vitamin D and VAS0 and VAS1 (r2  = 0.4, p = 0.000; r2  = -0.570, p = 0.000, respectively), and a weak negative correlation between vitamin D and VAS2 (r2  = -0.373, p = 0.000). No significant correlation was found between vitamin D and BSS and length of labor (p = 0.127, p = 0.126, respectively). CONCLUSION: In nulliparous women with low vitamin D levels, the first stage of labor and the early postpartum period may be more painful. To facilitate management of labor pain, during the antenatal period vitamin D levels should be monitored, and in cases where the levels are deficient, vitamin D supplementation should be started.

The effectiveness of nifedipine/indomethacin combination therapy and nifedipine monotherapy for postponing preterm birth (25-34 weeks of gestation) in Sudanese women: a randomized clinical trial study protocol.

BACKGROUND: Preterm birth is the most common cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality. Tocolytics are considered a standard treatment for women with threatened preterm delivery to allow time for maternal steroid administration and transfer to referral centers with neonatal intensive care units. However, there is controversy about the best tocolytic therapy to be considered as the first choice. The aim of this study is to compare the tocolytic effectiveness and tolerability of combination therapy with nifedipine and indomethacin versus nifedipine monotherapy among Sudanese women with preterm labor (PTL) as well as to compare the possible neonatal outcomes associated with each drug. METHODS/DESIGN: This is a randomized controlled clinical trial to be conducted in the Medani Maternity Hospital, Sudan. Women aged 18-40 years that are diagnosed with preterm labor and have a gestational age between 25 and 34 weeks will be eligible to participate in this trial. The diagnosis of threatened PTL is defined as persistent uterine contractions "(four contractions every 20 min or eight contractions every 60 min)" with cervical changes "(cervical effacement ≤80% or cervical dilatation >two cm)". Patients will be eligible regardless of the presentation of the fetus. It will be randomly decided whether participants receive nifedipine/indomethacin combination therapy or nifedipine monotherapy. The primary outcome is the number of women who do not deliver and do not need alternative tocolytic drug (terbutaline). The secondary outcome is an estimated association with neonatal morbidity and mortality. The sample size will be 117 subjects in each arm of the study, according to a type I error of 0.05 and a study power of 80%. DISCUSSION: We expect higher effectiveness of the combination indomethacin/nifedipine tocolytic therapy compared with nifedipine monotherapy. We plan to suggest this combination therapy as the best option for postponing PTL. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinical trial registration: PACTR202004681537890 , date of registration: March 8, 2020.

Aromatherapy intervention on anxiety and pain during first stage labour in nulliparous women: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to critically evaluate and summarise all available evidence derived from randomised clinical trials (RCTs) regarding aromatherapy's effects on labour pain and anxiety relief. Literature search was performed in MEDLINE/PubMed, Cochrane library, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) and Scopus since their respective inception to January 2019. Additionally, Google Scholar was also searched to explore citations of eligible final studies which were subsequently included in the systematic review. The search strategy used was: (pregnancy or pregnant or prenatal or antenatal or perinatal or maternal) AND (aromatherapy or essential oils or aroma therapy). Per inclusion and exclusion criteria established by the current study, nine RCTs were included in the systematic review. Results from the current study suggested that aromatherapy significantly decreased pain and anxiety in the first stage of labour.IMPACT STATEMENTWhat is already known on this subject? Several studies have shown aromatherapy's effectiveness in relieving pain and anxiety for hospitalised patients and on relieving nausea and vomiting for women during pregnancy. Some results have further indicated that aromatherapy was effective in facilitating episiotomy healing and in reducing pain, fatigue and distress. Aromatherapy was also found to play a role in improving maternal moods; reducing post-caesarean pain; and preventing or mitigating stress, anxiety and depression after childbirth. Though most non-pharmaceutical pain management options were considered non-invasive and presumably safe for mothers and their foetuses, their exact efficacies remained unclear due to a lack of high quality evidence.What the results of this study add? This systematic review and meta-analysis summarises all evidence derived from RCTs wherein aromatherapy was performed as a supportive analgesic method during labour. Results of this meta-analysis identified more credible evidence validating that aromatherapy could significantly decrease labour pain both in early active and late active phases.What the implications are of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? Availability of credible evidence supporting aromatherapy's effectiveness on reducing physiological and psychological stress during pregnancy and childbirth would be useful, both theoretically and practically, for all stakeholders concerned, such as pregnant women, medicine and midwifery students, midwives, nurses, gynaecologists and health policymakers.

The association between longer durations of the latent phase of labor and subsequent perinatal processes and outcomes among midwifery patients.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the association between the duration of the latent phase of labor and subsequent processes and outcomes. METHODS: Secondary analysis of prospectively collected data among 1,189 women with low-risk pregnancies and spontaneous labor. RESULTS: Longer latent phase duration was associated with labor dystocia (eg, nulliparous ≥ mean [compared with < mean] aOR 3.95 [2.70-5.79]; multiparous ≥ mean [compared with < mean] aOR 5.45 [3.43-8.65]), interventions to ameliorate dystocia, and epidurals to cope or rest (eg, oxytocin augmentation: nulliparous > 80th% [compared with < 80th%] aOR 6.39 [4.04-10.12]; multiparous ≥ 80th% [compared with < 80th%] aOR 6.35 [3.79-10.64]). Longer latent phase duration was also associated with longer active phase and second stage. There were no associations between latent phase duration and risk for cesarean delivery or postpartum hemorrhage in a practice setting with relatively low rates of primary cesarean. Newborns born to multiparous women with latent phase of labor durations at and beyond the 80th% were more frequently admitted to the NICU (≥80th% [compared with < 80th%] aOR 2.7 [1.22-5.84]); however, two-thirds of these NICU admissions were likely for observation only. CONCLUSIONS: Longer duration of the spontaneous latent phase of labor among women with low-risk pregnancies may signal longer total labor processes, leading to an increase in diagnosis of dystocia, interventions to manage dystocia, and epidural use. Apart from multiparous neonatal NICU admission, no other maternal or child morbidity outcomes were elevated with longer duration of the latent phase of labor.

Comparing the effect of auricular acupressure and body acupressure on pain and duration of the first stage of labor: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Labor pain is one of the leading causes of fear of childbirth. Acupressure is a non-pharmacological pain relief method that has shown promising results in relieving this pain. The present study is designed to compare the effects of body acupressure at multiple points and auricular acupressure on the pain and duration of labor. METHODS/DESIGN: In a randomized controlled trial, 90 primigravida women who attend for childbirth will be randomly assigned to one of three groups (intervention groups of either body acupressure or auricular acupressure; control, consisting of routine care). Computer-generated six-block randomization techniques will be used to determine the allocation sequence with a 1:1:1 ratio. To hide the allocation, the type of intervention will be written according to the generated sequence and put in opaque envelopes; these as well as questionnaires will be encoded. The pain score for all participants will be measured at the peak uterine contraction at 4-cm cervical dilation and at 10-cm dilation based on a visual analog scale (VAS). The duration of the active phase of labor in these groups will be recorded too. Data will be imported into SPSS-16 software. First, normality of the data distribution will be investigated. To compare labor duration among the research groups, ANOVA will be used, which will be followed, in case of significance, by the Scheffe post hoc test. Furthermore, Chi-squared test will be used to compare the categorized demographic variables and ANOVA or Kruskal-Wallis tests will be used to compare the quantitative variables in the studied groups. A significance level of 0.05 is considered significant. DISCUSSION: In this study the effect of auricular acupressure and body acupressure on pain and duration of first stage of labor will be compared. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials, IRCT20180218038789N1. Registered 2018-03-04; pre result.

Complementary therapies in labor: randomized clinical trial. / Terapias complementares no trabalho de parto: ensaio clínico randomizado.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of isolated and combined warm shower bath and perineal exercise with Swiss ball, on perception of pain, anxiety and labor progression. METHOD: Randomized, controlled clinical trial with 128 patients allocated into three groups of therapies: isolated and combined bath and ball. Pain and anxiety perception was evaluated before and thirty minutes after therapeutic intervention through visual analogic scales (VAS). RESULTS: Pain perception score increased, and anxiety decreased in all groups, mainly when using a shower bath. The cervical dilation increased in all groups (p<.001), as well as the number of uterine contractions increased, mainly in the group that used combined bath and ball and also showed shorter labor time. CONCLUSION: The studied therapies contribute to maternal adaptation and well-being and favor labor's evolution.

Effects of consuming date fruits (Phoenix dactylifera Linn) on gestation, labor, and delivery: An updated systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical trials.

BACKGROUND: Recent studies have shown that consumption of date fruits during pregnancy and also postpartum period might affect some pregnancy outcomes. We performed an updated systematic review and meta-analysis about the effects of consuming date fruits on gestation, labor, and delivery. METHODS: Two researchers independently searched the online databases of PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Embase, Google Scholar, and EBSCO up to January 2019 for clinical trials examining the effects of date fruits consumption on any types of gestation, labor, and delivery outcomes. A fixed-effects model or random-effects models were applied to pool data, where appropriate. Quality assessment was done by Jadad scale. RESULTS: In total, 11 and 8 studies were included in the systematic review and meta-analysis. Meta-analysis revealed that date fruit consumption significantly reduced gestation duration (pooled effect size: -0.30, 95% CI: -0.45, -0.15; P < 0.001), increased cervical dilation on admission (pooled effect size: 0.94, 95% CI: 0.88, 1.00; P < 0.001), and shorten duration of first stage of labor (pooled effect size: -50.09, 95% CI: -72.25, -27.93; P < 0.001). Also, it was revealed that date fruit consumption significantly reduced duration of second stage of labor in fixed-effects model (pooled effect size: -9.85, 95% CI: -14.00, -5.70; P < 0.001); however, this effect was not significant in random-effects analysis (pooled effect size: -11.27, 95% CI: -28.23, -5.68; P = 0.193). CONCLUSIONS: Date fruits intake seems to reduce gestation duration and duration of the first stage of labor, and also increase cervical dilation on admission.

Avaliação do impacto de um protocolo fisioterapêutico na diminuição do quadro álgico durante a primeira fase do trabalho de parto vaginal / Evaluation of the impact of a physiotherapeutic protocol on the reduction of pain during the first phase of vaginal labor

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a eficiência de um protocolo fisioterapêutico, aplicado em gestantes atendidas na Santa Casa de Misericórdia de Sobral/CE voltado para a redução do quadro álgico na primeira fase do trabalho de parto e na humanização do parto vaginal. Participaram grávidas com idade gestacional entre 37-42 semanas de gestação com feto único, vivo em apresentação cefálica e que estivessem na primeira fase do trabalho de parto, atuando de forma ativa e com dilatação cervical mí­nima de 3 centí­metros e sem uso de medicação após entrada no hospital. As participantes do grupo controle (GC; N=25) receberam orientações sobre relaxamento, respiração, dor e parto vaginal como placebo. As parturientes do grupo de intervenção (GI; N = 25), além das orientações, realizaram exercí­cios de respiração, liberação miofascial, alongamento, exercí­cios cinético-funcionais e massagem. Observou-se que as intervenções realizadas no GI proporcionaram diminuição da dor relatada (p = 0,0001), tendência não observada no GC. Foi observado aumento da dilatação vaginal e saturação de O2 em ambos os grupos, entretanto a média foi maior entre as pacientes do GI (p = 0,0001). Infere-se que o protocolo utilizado diminui a dor da gestante na primeira etapa do parto genital, além de estar associado ao relaxamento das pacientes. (AU)

The objective of this study was to evaluate the physiotherapeutic practice on the impact of pain during the first phase of vaginal labor in pregnant women attended at Santa Casa de Misericórdia of Sobral/CE. Pregnant women of gestational age between 37-42 weeks with a single fetus, alive in cephalic presentation and in the first phase of labor, active and with cervical dilatation of at least 3 cm, without use of medication after hospital admission, participated in this study. Participants in the control group (CG; N = 25) received guidance on relaxation, breathing, pain and vaginal delivery as placebo. In the intervention group (GI; N = 25), the patients received physical therapy, breathing, myofascial release, stretching, kinetic-functional exercises and massage. We observed that the interventions performed in the GI provided a decrease in the pain reported by the patients (p = 0.0001), a tendency not observed in the CG. Increased vaginal dilation and O2 saturation were observed in both groups, however, the mean was higher among GI patients (p = 0.0001). It is inferred that the protocol used reduces the pain of the pregnant woman in the first stage of genital delivery, besides being associated with the relaxation of the patients. (AU)

Terapias complementares no trabalho de parto: ensaio clínico randomizado / Terapias complementarias en el trabajo de parto: ensayo clínico randomizado / Complementary therapies in labor: randomized clinical trial

Resumo OBJETIVO: Avaliar o efeito do banho quente de chuveiro e exercício perineal com bola suíça isolados e de forma combinada, sobre a percepção da dor, ansiedade e progressão do trabalho de parto. MÉTODO: Ensaio clínico randomizado e controlado com 128 parturientes alocadas em três grupos de terapias, banho, bola, isolados e combinados. A percepção da dor e ansiedade foi avaliada antes e trinta minutos após a intervenção terapêutica por meio de escala visual analógica (EVA). RESULTADOS: Houve aumento no escore de dor e redução da ansiedade em todos os grupos, sobretudo quando utilizaram banho de chuveiro. A dilatação cervical, aumentou em todos os grupos de intervenção (p<,001) bem como o número de contrações uterinas, principalmente quem utilizou banho e bola associados como também mostrou menor duração do tempo de trabalho de parto. CONCLUSÃO: As terapias estudadas contribuem para adaptação e bem-estar materno e favorecem a evolução do trabalho de parto.

Resumen OBJETIVO: Evaluar el efecto de la ducha caliente y del ejercicio perineal con pelota suiza, separadamente y de forma combinada, sobre la percepción del dolor, la ansiedad y la progresión del trabajo de parto. MÉTODO: Ensayo clínico aleatorizado y controlado junto a 128 parturientes asignadas en tres grupos de terapias, ducha caliente, pelota suiza separadamente y de forma combinada. La percepción de dolor y de ansiedad se evaluó antes y treinta minutos después de la intervención terapéutica por medio de escala visual analógica. RESULTADOS: Hubo un incremento en la puntuación de dolor y una reducción de la ansiedad en todos los grupos, sobre todo cuando se utilizó la ducha. La dilatación cervical aumentó en todos los grupos de intervención (p<,001) así como el número de contracciones uterinas, principalmente en el grupo que utilizó las dos terapias combinadas, ducha caliente con pelota suiza. Asimismo se constató menor duración del tiempo de trabajo de parto. CONCLUSIÓN: Las terapias estudiadas contribuyen a la adaptación y el bienestar materno y favorecen la evolución del trabajo de parto.

Abstract OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of isolated and combined warm shower bath and perineal exercise with Swiss ball, on perception of pain, anxiety and labor progression. METHOD: Randomized, controlled clinical trial with 128 patients allocated into three groups of therapies: isolated and combined bath and ball. Pain and anxiety perception was evaluated before and thirty minutes after therapeutic intervention through visual analogic scales (VAS). RESULTS: Pain perception score increased, and anxiety decreased in all groups, mainly when using a shower bath. The cervical dilation increased in all groups (p<.001), as well as the number of uterine contractions increased, mainly in the group that used combined bath and ball and also showed shorter labor time. CONCLUSION: The studied therapies contribute to maternal adaptation and well-being and favor labor's evolution.

Risk factors for episiotomy during vaginal childbirth: A retrospective cohort study in Western China.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the incidence rates and risk factors for episiotomy during vaginal childbirth in a Western China context. METHODS: A retrospective hospital-based cohort study was conducted using computerized data of 3721 singleton vaginal deliveries after 28 weeks of gestation. Women who underwent episiotomy were compared with those who did not. RESULTS: The overall prevalence of episiotomy was 44.0% (1636/3721); 52.9% (1458/2756) among primiparas and 18.4% (178/965) among multiparas (P < 0.001). Adjusted risk factors significantly associated with episiotomy included primiparity, prolonged second stage of labor, and labor-management personnel. Risk factors specific to primiparas were increasing maternal age (per year) (OR = 1.04, 95% CI 1.01 to 1.07, P = 0.035), increasing biparietal diameter (per centimeter) (OR = 1.40, 95% CI 1.06 to 1.84, P = 0.017), first stage of labor beyond 10-hour (OR = 1.36, 95% CI 1.10 to 1.68, P = 0.005), and birth weight (per 100 g) (OR = 1.06, 95% CI 1.03 to 1.09, P < 0.001). Birth weight resulted in an adjusted risk increase of 6.1% among primiparas for every 100 additional grams of birth weight. For the analysis stratified by labor-management personnel, moderately experienced midwifery was a risk factor of episiotomy (OR = 1.76, 95% CI 1.21 to 2.56, P = 0.003); midwives with bachelor's degree (OR = 1.47, 95% CI 1.15 to 1.88, P = 0.002), and obstetricians with doctor's degree (OR = 2.00, 95% CI 1.18 to 3.39, P = 0.010) were most likely to perform episiotomy. CONCLUSION: Episiotomy is still commonly performed in Western China. A survey of maternity care professionals' knowledge of and attitudes towards episiotomy is urgently required to explore the complex reasons for conducting episiotomy.

Effect of led photobiomodulation on analgesia during labor: Study protocol for a randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Labor pain is one of the most intense pains experienced by women, which leads to an increase in the number of women opting to undergo a cesarean delivery. Pharmacological and nonpharmacological analgesia methods are used to control labor pain. Epidural analgesia is the most commonly used pharmacological analgesia method. However, it may have side effects on the fetus and the mother. Light-emitting diode (LED) photobiomodulation is an effective and noninvasive alternative to pharmacological methods. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effects of LED photobiomodulation on analgesia during labor. METHODS: In total, 60 women in labor admitted to a public maternity hospital will be selected for a randomized controlled trial. The participants will be randomized into 2 groups: intervention group [analgesia with LED therapy (n = 30)] and control group [analgesia with bath therapy (n = 30)]. The perception of pain will be assessed using the visual analogue scale (VAS), with a score from 0 to 10 at baseline, that is, before the intervention. In both the groups, the procedures will last 10 minutes and will be performed at 3 time points during labor: during cervical dilation of 4 to 5 cm, 6 to 7 cm, and 8 to 9 cm. At all 3 time points, pain perception will be evaluated using VAS shortly after the intervention. In addition, the evaluation of membrane characteristics (intact or damaged), heart rate, uterine dynamics, and cardiotocography will be performed at all time points. EXPECTED OUTCOMES: The use of LED photobiomodulation will have an analgesic effect superior to that of the bath therapy.

Effect of Change in Position and Back Massage on Pain Perception during First Stage of Labor.

BACKGROUND: Labor is one of the most painful events in a women's life. Frequent change in positions and back massage may be effective in reducing pain during the first stage of labor. AIM: The focus of this study was to identify the impact of either change in position or back massage on pain perception during first stage of labor. DESIGN: A quasi-experimental study. SETTING: Teaching hospital, Kurdistan Region, Iraq, November 2014 to October 2015. SUBJECTS: Eighty women were interviewed as a study sample when admitted to the labor and delivery area and divided into three groups: 20 women received frequent changes in position (group A), 20 women received back massage (Group B), and 40 women constituted the control group (group C). METHODS: A structured interview questionnaire to collect background data was completed by the researcher in personal interviews with the mothers. The intervention was performed at three points in each group, and pain perception was measured after each intervention using the Face Pain Scale. RESULTS: The mean rank of the difference in pain scores among the study groups was as follows after the first, second, and third interventions, respectively: group A-52.33, 47.00, 49.2; group B-32.8, 30.28, 30.38; group C-38.44, 42.36, 41.21. There were significant differences between groups A, B, and C after the first, second, and third interventions (p1 = .011, p2 = .042, p3 = .024). CONCLUSIONS: Back massage may be a more effective pain management approach than change in position during the first stage of labor.

Effects of prenatal music stimulation on state/trait anxiety in full-term pregnancy and its influence on childbirth: a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Many researchers have pointed out the strong relationship between maternal psychological well-being and fetal welfare during pregnancy. The impact of music interventions during pregnancy should be examined in depth, as they could have an impact on stress reduction, not only during pregnancy but also during the course of delivery, and furthermore induce fetal awareness. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the effect of music on maternal anxiety, before and after a non-stress test (NST), and the effect of music on the birthing process. MATERIAL AND METHOD: The four hundred and nine pregnant women coming for routine prenatal care were randomized in the third trimester to receive either music (n = 204) or no music (n = 205) stimulation during an NST. The primary outcome was considered as the maternal state anxiety score before and after the NST, and the secondary outcome was the birthing process. RESULTS: Before their NST, full-term pregnant women who had received music intervention were found to have a similar state-trait anxiety score to those from the control group, with 38.10 ± 8.8 and 38.08 ± 8.2, respectively (p = .97). After the NST, the mean state-trait anxiety score of each group was recorded, with results of 30.58 ± 13.2 for those with music intervention, and 43.11 ± 15.0 for those without music intervention (p < .001). In the control group, the NST was followed by a statistically significant increase in the state-trait anxiety score (38.08 ± 8.2 versus 43.11 ± 15.0, p < .001). However, listening to music during the NST resulted in a statistically significant decrease in the state-trait anxiety score of the study group (38.10 ± 8.8 versus 30.58 ± 13.2, OR = 0.87, p < .001). Furthermore, the first stage of labor was shorter in women who received music stimulation (OR = 0.92, p < .004). They also presented a more natural delivery beginning (spontaneous) and less medication (stimulated and induced) than those who were not stimulated musically, with statistically significant differences (p < .01). CONCLUSIONS: Prenatal music intervention could be a useful and effective tool to reduce anxiety in full-term pregnant women during an NST and improve the delivery process by reducing the first stage of labor in nulliparous women.

Positions during the first stage and the passive second stage of labor: A survey of French midwives.

OBJECTIVE: the objective of our study was to describe the practices reported by French midwives during labor (first stage and passive phase of the second stage). DESIGN: this cross-sectional internet questionnaire surveyed French midwives who attended at least one delivery in 2013. SETTING: this open survey was posted on a website from June 15 through December 1, 2014. PARTICIPANTS: 1496 midwives from 377 maternity units participated in the study. Nearly 93% of the midwives worked in an obstetric unit, 5.9% had a mixed practice, and 1.3% worked in private practice. MEASUREMENTS AND FINDINGS: during the first stage of labor, midwives reported suggesting that women without epidural analgesia use a birthing ball (98.1%) and that they walk around (97.4%). For women with epidural analgesia, most suggested motion in horizontal positions. Epidural analgesia was proposed more often by midwives from level II (75.7%) and level III (73.5%) maternity wards than by those at level 1 units (57.7%) (p<0.0001). The midwives preferred a lateral position during the first stage for women with epidural analgesia and during the second stage for women both with and without it. Midwives in practice for 5 years or less suggested a kneeling position for women with epidural analgesia more often than more experienced midwives. KEY CONCLUSION: the practices of French midwives vary with their place of practice and their experience. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: to promote normal labor, French midwives must reappropriate vertical positions and analgesic alternatives to epidurals.

Estratégias não farmacológicas no alívio da dor da parturiente: a efetividade da hidroterapia / Non-pharmacological strategies for relieving pain in parturient women: the effectiveness of hydrotherapy

Desde a década de 80 que têm sido realizados esforços para a promoção do parto normal e humanizado. A concetualização do parto como uma experiência positiva é definida pela WHO (2018) como aquela que vai ao encontro ou excede as convicções e expectativas da mulher e que inclui o nascimento de um bebé saudável, num ambiente clínica e psicologicamente seguro, sob o apoio emocional de um acompanhante e de profissionais de saúde motivados, gentis e tecnicamente competentes. Num modelo de cuidados intraparto sustentado nesta premissa, a gestão da dor, através da mobilização de estratégias não farmacológicas, emerge como um elemento fulcral. Integrada neste conjunto de medidas, a hidroterapia destaca-se como um recurso de excelência pelos seus ínumeros benefícios não só no que diz repeito ao relaxamento e alívio da dor que proporciona, mas também à promoção da normal evolução do trabalho de parto, conferindo à utente uma sensação de conforto, prazer e autocontrolo (Lowdermilk & Shannon , 2016). Considerando o controlo da dor como um direito da parturiente e um dever do profissional de saúde, a avaliação da efetividade das medidas implementadas, constitui-se como um cuidado essencial, inerente não só ao processo de Enfermagem, mas também a uma Prática de Enfermagem Avançada, baseada na melhor evidência disponível. Adotando como quadro de referência a teoria do conforto holístico de Katherina Kolcaba, o presente relatório, teve como finalidade apresentar uma análise crítica das competências desenvolvidas (e das atividades realizadas) no âmbito da unidade curricular Estágio com Relatório, inserida no 8º Curso de Mestrado de Saúde Materna e Obstetrícia da Escola Superior de Enfermagem de Lisboa. Na ótica de uma prática baseada na evidência, a identificação e mobilização da evidência mapeada sobre a utilização da hidroterapia no alívio da dor da parturiente, revelou-se essencial para a sua implementação e para a avaliação da sua efetividade. Nesse sentido procedi a uma Scoping Review definindo, segundo a mnemónica PCC (P - População, C - Conceito, C - Contexto), a seguinte pergunta de pesquisa: Quais os efeitos da hidroterapia no alívio da dor durante o primeiro estádio do trabalho de parto? Da revisão efetuada, destacou-se o efeito positivo da hidroterapia. Sob a forma de imersão, os estudos enfatizaram a sua ação benéfica sobre: as respostas V neuroendócrinas que influenciam o processo psicofisiológico do trabalho de parto, a ansiedade, os níveis de cortisol e as beta-endorfinas promotoras de relaxamento (Benfield, et al., 2010; Silva, Oliveira, & Nobre, 2009). Sob a forma de duche, os resultados enalteceram a diminuição dos níveis de cortisol (Henrique, A.J., Gabrielloni, M.C. & Rodney, P., 2018) e o seu efeito rápido, mas de curta duração, no alívio da dor e o fato de não terem efeitos secundários associados (Lee, Liu, & Gau, 2013; Sark, 2017).

Since the 1980s, efforts have been made to promote normal and humanized delivery, in which the woman / fetus and family play a central and active role. In this context the conceptualization of childbirth emerged as a positive experience that is convictions and expectations of women and which includes the birth of a healthy baby in a clinical and psychological safe environment, with the emotional support of a companion and motivated, kind and technically competent health professionals. In a model of intrapartum care based on this premise, pain management, through nonpharmacological strategies, emerges as a key element. Integrated in this set of measures, hydrotherapy stands out as a resource of excellence for its innumerable benefits not only in terms of relaxation and pain relief it provides, but also in promoting the normal evolution of labor, conferring a feeling of comfort, pleasure, and self-control (Lowdermilk & Shannon, 2016). Considering the control of pain as a right of the parturient and a duty of the health professional, the evaluation of the effectiveness of the implemented measures constitutes an essential care, inherent not only to the Nursing Process, but also to an Advanced Nursing Practice, based on the best evidence available. Taking as a frame of reference the theory of holistic comfort of Katherina Kolcaba, the purpose of this report was to present a critical analysis of the skills developed (and of the activities carried out) within the scope of the Internship with Report, inserted in the 8th Master's Degree in Obstetric Nursing and Maternal Health. From the perspective of an evidence-based practice, the identification and mobilization of existing evidence on the use of hydrotherapy to relieve parturient's pain has proved to be essential for understanding, implementing and evaluating its effectiveness. In this sense I proceeded to a Scoping Review, defining, according to the mnemonic PCC (P - Population, C - Concept, C - Context), the following research question: What are the effects of hydrotherapy on pain relief during the first stage of labor? From the review carried out, the positive effect of hydrotherapy was highlighted. In the form of immersion, studies have emphasized its beneficial action on: neuroendocrine responses that influence the psychophysiological process of labor, anxiety, cortisol levels, and relaxation-promoting beta-endorphins (Benfield, et al. 2010; Silva, Oliveira, & Nobre, 2009). In the form of a shower, the results praised the VII decrease in cortisol levels (Henrique, Angelita et al 2018) and their short but rapid effect on pain relief and the fact that they do not have associated side effects (Lee, Liu, & Gau, 2013; Stark, 2017).

Effects of low back massage on perceived birth pain and satisfaction.

AIM: The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of low back massage on perceived birth pain and delivery. METHOD: This study was designed as a study-control experimental type. The study sample consisted of 62 pregnant women (massage group = 31, control group = 31). Massage was applied to the study group in three phases during intrapartum period. The massages were done at the end of latent, active and transition phases (at cervical dilatation 3-4 cm, 5-7 cm, 8-10 cm) correspondingly. The VAS scores were evaluated three times during all phases. RESULTS: The first mean VAS score was 5.2 ± 0.9 and 7.3 ± 1.3 for massage and control groups, respectively. Second VAS score was found as 6.6 ± 1.6 in massage group and 8.8 ± 1.0 in control group. The third VAS score was significantly higher in the control group than massage group during third evaluation (9.2 ± 2.4 vs 6.7 ± 2.7) (p < 0.05). The mean duration of second stage was 24.6 ± 12.7 min in massage group and 31.7 ± 20.9 min in control group (p > 0.05). The mean scores of satisfaction about delivery were found as 8.8 ± 0.7 in massage group and 6.9 ± 0.8 in control group (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: It was determined in the study that lower back massage has a significant impact on reducing labor pain and increasing the satisfaction with birth. Health professionals, who work in the delivery unit, can use massage intervention for decreasing pain, shortening delivery time and increasing satisfaction with birth experience.

Routine interventions in childbirth before and after initiation of an Action Research project.

BACKGROUND: Unnecessary routine interventions in uncomplicated labour and birth, like cardiotocography (CTG), amniotomy, use of scalp electrode and oxytocin treatment, are associated with further interventions that could harm the woman and the infant. A four year Action Research (AR) project was done on a labour ward to enhance the capacity of local midwives in the promotion of physiological labour and birth. AIM: To describe the use of interventions during labour and birth in healthy women at term with spontaneous onset of labour, before and after initiation of an Action Research project. METHODS: A retrospective before and after comparative study of clinical records from 2009 (before) and 2012 (after), based on a random selection of records from primiparous and multiparous women. Outcome measures were duration of admission CTG, frequency of admission CTG over 30min, frequency of amniotomy, use of scalp electrode, and frequency of oxytocin augmentation in spontaneous labour. RESULTS: 903 records were included. The duration of admission CTG (p=0.001), frequency of admission CTG duration over 30min (p=<0.001), the use of scalp electrodes (p=<0.001), and use of oxytocin augmentation of spontaneous labour (p=0.014) were reduced significantly after initiation of the AR project. There were no significant differences in frequency of amniotomy, duration of total CTG, postpartum bleeding, sphincter tears, Apgar score <5 at 5min, and mode of birth. CONCLUSION: Following an AR project, several interventions were reduced during labour and birth. Controlled studies in other settings are needed to assess the impact of collaborative action on decreasing unnecessary interventions.