The Effect of Lower Back Massage on Perceived Labor Pain

Angle Labor Pain Questionnaire Turkish Version: Validity and Reliability Study and Evaluation of Efficacy With a Non-pharmacological Method

The aim of the study was to assesment the change in pain scores with lower back massage, a non-pharmacological method, on perceived labor pain in the early active phase of the first stage of labor.

Lower back massage performance: In the study, Linda Kimber's massage protocol was used. First, the researcher ensured that the patient was holding the bed, squatting, or bent over on the bed, which is suitable for the massage, between two contractions. The pregnant woman was instructed to breathe deeply and exhale audibly when her contractions began. Gloves were worn during the massage and liquid Vaseline, which does not contain any active substance, was used to provide lubricity. The circular hip massage was applied at the beginning of the contraction, and lower lateral area and sacral pressure massage was applied towards the end of the contraction as per the massage protocol, and simultaneously with the inhaling sound of the pregnant woman

Change in perceived labor pain scores in an average of 30 minutes (During the lower back massage application)

Inclusion Criteria: The study group consisted of pregnant women who were at 37-40 weeks of pregnancy, had cervical dilatation of 4-6 cm, had a single, live, and vertex fetus, had an uncomplicated pregnancy, had no contraction anomalies, could communicate in Turkish planned for a vaginal delivery. Exclusion Criteria: with cognitive dysfunction using narcotic analgesics or sedative drugs had any contraindications for applying a back massage

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