The effect of guided imagery and reflexology on pain intensity, duration of labor and birth satisfaction in primiparas: randomized controlled trial
Moderate EvidenceIn Plain Language: reflexology for pregnancy, explained
The aim of the researchers is to determine the effects of guided imagery and foot reflexology on pain intensity, duration of labor, and birth satisfaction. While cervical dilation was 4 cm, the guided imagery group has watched the guided imagery video; the reflexology group has received reflexology for both feet for 30 min. The mean VAS scores of the experimental groups were statistically lower than the mean score of the control group. The difference between the time averages of the groups was found to be significant. Birth satisfaction meanscores of the experimental groups was found to be higher than the control group.
Key Findings: what this randomised trial found about pregnancy
- ✓Both guided imagery and reflexology interventions significantly reduced pain intensity during labor compared to the control group, as measured by lower mean VAS scores.
- ✓Guided imagery and reflexology interventions significantly shortened the duration of labor compared to the control group.
- ✓Participants who received guided imagery or reflexology reported higher birth satisfaction scores than those in the control group.
What This Means for You
If you're pregnant with your first child, reflexology combined with guided imagery may help reduce labor pain and improve your overall birth experience, though more research with larger groups would strengthen this evidence.
What This Means for Practitioners
This RCT provides moderate evidence that reflexology delivered during early labor (at 4cm dilation) reduces pain scores and increases birth satisfaction, supporting its integration into labor support protocols.
Reflexology for pregnancy: common questions
Does reflexology help with pregnancy?
If you're pregnant with your first child, reflexology combined with guided imagery may help reduce labor pain and improve your overall birth experience, though more research with larger groups would strengthen this evidence.
What did this study find?
Both guided imagery and reflexology interventions significantly reduced pain intensity during labor compared to the control group, as measured by lower mean VAS scores. Guided imagery and reflexology interventions significantly shortened the duration of labor compared to the control group. Participants who received guided imagery or reflexology reported higher birth satisfaction scores than those in the control group.
How strong is this evidence?
This is a randomised trial and we rate its evidence moderate. It was published in Health care for women international. Reflexology is a complementary therapy, not a replacement for medical treatment.
Related Research
Effectiveness of non-pharmacological treatments in lowering blood pressure in pregnant women with hypertension: A systematic review.
Comparative effectiveness of nonpharmacological interventions on postpartum maternal sleep quality: a systematic review and network meta-analysis
The effect of prenatal yoga and reflexology in reducing labor duration and perceived pain; a systematic review and meta-analysis
Effect of acupressure and reflexology on pregnancy constipation: a quasi-experimental study
The Effect of Foot Reflexology on Postpartum Comfort and Breastfeeding Outcomes in Postpartum Women: A Meta-Analysis Study
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