Ahalya Panneerselvam
The study concludes that nonpharmacological methods are effective, safe alternatives for labor pain management, potentially reducing the need for pharmacological interventions. These findings support integrating such techniques into obstetric nursing practice.
BACKGROUND: Labor pain is a significant challenge for primigravida women, often leading to adverse maternal and fetal outcomes.
AIM: This comparative study evaluated the effects of two nonpharmacological pain relief methods-slow paced breathing technique and Hoku point pressure-on selected maternal parameters, including pain perception, behavioral responses, fetal heart rate, cervical dilatation, and vital signs.
METHODS: A quasiexperimental design was employed with 90 primigravida women divided into three groups: Intervention Group I (slow paced breathing, n = 30), Intervention Group II (Hoku point pressure, n = 30), and Control group (routine care, n = 30). Data were collected using the visual analogue scale (VAS) for pain, behavioral rating scale (BRS) for behavior, and observational checklists for physiological parameters. Pre- and postintervention assessments were conducted during active labor.
RESULTS: Results indicated significant reductions in mean pain scores in both intervention groups compared to the control (P < 0.001), with Hoku point pressure showing greater efficacy (postmean: 3.8 vs. 4.5 for breathing). Behavioral scores improved similarly, and maternal parameters like blood pressure and fetal heart rate remained stable without adverse effects.
CONCLUSION: The study concludes that nonpharmacological methods are effective, safe alternatives for labor pain management, potentially reducing the need for pharmacological interventions. These findings support integrating such techniques into obstetric nursing practice.