Evaluating the effects of back massage during labour on delivery outcomes: A prospective study on primigravida mothers

Abstract

Background and Objectives: The labor and delivery process can be stressful for parturient women, especially for primigravida mothers. Birth companions providing massage and emotional support can help make more pleasant birthing experience. This study aimed to assess the impact of back massage by trained birth companions on reducing analgesic use, pain intensity scores, and labor duration. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted on primigravida women. During antenatal care visits, companions in the intervention group were trained in massage techniques, while no training was imparted to companions in the control group. Data were collected using a pre-tested questionnaire during antenatal clinic visits and delivery A multivariable logistic regression model was used to assess the impact of massage on delivery outcomes while adjusting for significant confounding variables. Results: The study demonstrated a positive impact of back massaging on labor and delivery outcomes. Mothers in the massaged group were 2.27 times less likely to receive analgesics and 3.71 times more likely to experience a reduction in pain intensity scores of > 2 compared to those receiving usual care. Additionally, the massaged group had a 2.24 times higher likelihood of reducing labor duration to < 12 hours compared to the usual care group. Conclusion: Back massaging by trained birth companions is an effective intervention for reducing the use of analgesics, pain intensity scores, and the length of labor in primigravida women. © 2024 Author(s).