Comparing the Effects of Lavender Aroma and Valerian in Reducing Labor Pain and Progress of Labor in Nulliparous Women: A Randomized Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Trial

Abstract

Abstract: Introduction: However childbirth is a physiologic event, but the pain is severe in more than half of pregnant women. Most of the women have pain during childbirth but the pain threshold and it is different in women. Delivery process often associated with fear, anxiety and pain. Typically 6-10% of women in childbirth, have fear and anxiety which can be caused by severe labor pain. In the second stage of labor, increased pain and excessive anxiety, can lead to straining harness the power of mother and caused the prolongation of this stage. Prolongation of this stage, babies find more need for resuscitation and the use of forceps and vacuum deliveries or other instruments, and Caesarean section increases. There seems to be due to biochemical properties, valerian and lavender can be effective in the prevention and reduction of labor pain. Material and Method This study was a double blind randomized controlled clinical trial that was conducted on 141 nulliparous women in Hazrate Fateme hospital in Miandoab. The recruited women were randomly allocated into 3 groups using block randomization with block sizes of 6 and 9. First, demographic characteristics using a public profile was collected through face to face interviews. Data collection tools in this study were a demographic questionnaire, Partogragh form of labor and ruler to measure pain intensity. Demographic data questionnaire completed by interview and a checklist relating to the delivery information includes dilation, effacement, station, amniotic fluid situation, FHR, number and length of contractions, determined based on examinations conducted were recorded in the Partogragh form. Selected samples were allocated in 3 groups: lavender, valerian and placebo. Glass content of lavender was lavender essential oil with a concentration of 1/5% with olive oil carriers and content glass valerian extracts of valerian, with a concentration of 1/5% with olive oil carriers and glass content placebo was containing a virgin olive oil. When regular uterine contractions was created and cervical dilation reached 4 cm, researcher measured pain intensity using a VAS ruler in All three groups and examination results recorded on the partograph.

Result There was no significant difference between three groups in terms of demographic characteristics and specifications of fertility. The mean duration of rupture of membranes in patients participating in the study was 75/34 ± 277/30 minutes. The mean duration of rupture of membranes in valerian group was 79/39 ± 229/47; in lavender group 63/39 ± 284/79 and placebo groups was 53/82 ± 317/64. Statistically significant differences were observed between the three groups (P<0/0001). The mean duration of the third stage in valerian group 9/39 ± 6/47 minutes, in lavender group was 9/79 ± 6/34 minutes and in the placebo group was 8/68 ± 4/82 minute. There is no statistically significant difference between the groups (P= 0/685). The mean duration of second stage of labor in the valerian group was 75/96±43/80, in lavender group 97/66 ± 39/07 and the placebo group was 89/98±32/89.Statistically significant difference was among the three groups (P= 0/025). The mean Apgar score in the first minute of the participants in the study was 8/73 ± 0/65 and in the fifth minute was 9/77 ±0/56. There is no statistically significant difference between the groups. Based on the results in pain on different dilatation, suggests that valerian drug had a greater effect on pain reduction. Conclusion According to this study, as valerian and lavender was effective in reducing labor pain during the active phase and had no complications for mother and fetus, Can be used valerian and lavender to reduce pain and shorten the duration of labor instead of chemical drugs which have side effects.