Non-pharmacological therapies applied in pregnancy and labor: an integrative review.

Authors: Camilla Benigno Biana, Diana Cecagno, Adrize Rutz Porto, Susana Cecagno, Vanessa de Araujo Marques, Marilu Correa SoaresJournal: Revista da Escola de Enfermagem da U S PPublished: August 18, 2021DOI: 10.1590/S1980-220X2019019703681

Q2 JournalSJR: 0.847h-index: 18SCImago

Moderate EvidenceObservationaln=41 participants

Pregnancy Discomfort

In Plain Language: pregnancy, explained

This study explored various non-drug therapies applied during pregnancy and childbirth, particularly their effects on labor pain and outcomes. The researchers found that 60% of the therapies evaluated effectively reduced labor pain and improved other labor-related factors. This is significant as it suggests that alternative approaches can provide relief and enhance childbirth experiences.

Key Findings: what this observational study found about pregnancy

✓60% of analyzed articles reported a reduction in labor pain
✓Various therapies improved labor-related outcomes such as duration and anxiety
✓Positive effects on pelvic floor laceration and episiotomy rates were noted

What This Means for You

For individuals considering reflexology for labor pain management, the findings suggest that non-pharmacological treatments can be effective in reducing pain and anxiety during childbirth, potentially leading to a more positive delivery experience.

What This Means for Practitioners

Reflexology practitioners can integrate non-pharmacological therapies, including reflexology, into their practice to help clients manage labor pain and improve overall labor outcomes, based on the study's positive findings.

Study Design: how this observational study was run

Blinding

open label

Control

none

Duration

not specified

Sample Size

41 participants

Limitations: what it cannot tell you about pregnancy

The study is based on an integrative review of existing literature, which may introduce bias and limits the ability to draw strong causal conclusions.

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Pregnancy: common questions

What does this study say about pregnancy?

What did this study find?

60% of analyzed articles reported a reduction in labor pain. Various therapies improved labor-related outcomes such as duration and anxiety. Positive effects on pelvic floor laceration and episiotomy rates were noted.

How strong is this evidence?

This is a observational study and we rate its evidence moderate. It covers 41 participants. It was published in Revista da Escola de Enfermagem da U S P, a Q2 journal. This study is indexed here for context; it did not test reflexology itself.

What are the limitations of this study?

The study is based on an integrative review of existing literature, which may introduce bias and limits the ability to draw strong causal conclusions.