The effect of Rebozo technique on perceived labour pain and childbirth experience: A randomized controlled trial.
Strong EvidenceIn Plain Language: pregnancy, explained
This study examined the effects of the rebozo technique, a traditional method used to ease pain during childbirth, on the birth experience of women. The results showed that women who received the rebozo technique reported lower pain levels and higher satisfaction during labor compared to those who received a relaxing massage. These findings suggest that incorporating the rebozo technique can improve the childbirth experience.
Key Findings: what this randomised trial found about pregnancy
- ✓Rebozo group reported lower pain levels during birth.
- ✓Cervical dilation was 5.61 cm in the rebozo group vs 5.71 cm in the control group during the latent phase.
- ✓Active phase cervical dilation: 6.03 cm (rebozo) vs 6.68 cm (control), significant difference (P < .001).
- ✓Average birth satisfaction score: 68.52 (rebozo) vs 51.58 (control), P < .001.
- ✓Birth duration was significantly shorter in the rebozo group, 46.29 minutes compared to 68.71 minutes in the control group (P = <.007).
What This Means for You
For women considering reflexology during childbirth, this study indicates that the rebozo technique can significantly reduce pain and enhance satisfaction during labor, making for a more positive birthing experience.
What This Means for Practitioners
Reflexology practitioners can integrate the rebozo technique into their practice for expectant mothers, as it has been shown to not only alleviate pain during labor but also improve overall satisfaction with the childbirth experience.
Study Design: how this randomised trial was run
Limitations: what it cannot tell you about pregnancy
The study's limitations include the small sample size and the lack of blinding, which may affect the objectivity of the reported results.
Pregnancy: common questions
What does this study say about pregnancy?
For women considering reflexology during childbirth, this study indicates that the rebozo technique can significantly reduce pain and enhance satisfaction during labor, making for a more positive birthing experience.
What did this study find?
Rebozo group reported lower pain levels during birth. Cervical dilation was 5.61 cm in the rebozo group vs 5.71 cm in the control group during the latent phase. Active phase cervical dilation: 6.03 cm (rebozo) vs 6.68 cm (control), significant difference (P < .001).
How strong is this evidence?
This is a randomised trial and we rate its evidence strong. It covers 113 participants. It was published in Medicine, a Q1 journal. This study is indexed here for context; it did not test reflexology itself.
What are the limitations of this study?
The study's limitations include the small sample size and the lack of blinding, which may affect the objectivity of the reported results.
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