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Review
. 2023 Nov 21;12(23):7203.
doi: 10.3390/jcm12237203.

Non-Pharmacological Pain Management in Labor: A Systematic Review

Wassan Nori  1 , Mustafa Ali Kassim Kassim  2 , Zeena Raad Helmi  1 , Alexandru Cosmin Pantazi  2 , Dragos Brezeanu  2   3 , Ana Maria Brezeanu  2   3 , Roxana Cleopatra Penciu  2   3 , Lucian Serbanescu  2   3
Affiliations
Review

Non-Pharmacological Pain Management in Labor: A Systematic Review

Wassan Nori et al. J Clin Med. .

Abstract

Childbirth is a remarkable, life-changing process and is frequently regarded as an excruciating, physically and emotionally demanding experience that women endure. Labor pain management poses a significant challenge for obstetricians and expectant mothers. Although pharmacological pain management is the gold standard, it still imposes risks on the mother and baby. Recently, non-pharmacological pain management (NPPM) has emerged as a safe, effective option. Six databases were searched for articles published up to 2023 using specific related keywords and defined inclusion and exclusion criteria. The extraction and gathering of data was made so as to be categorized into physical, psychological, and complementary NPPM techniques. In light of the enormous development and diversity of NPPM techniques, the present review aims to examine contemporary NPPM knowledge and application, discussing efficacy, advantages, limitations, and potential adverse effects, with a specific focus on women's individual requirements, to strengthen obstetricians' knowledge in guiding decision-making for women in childbirth.

Keywords: labor; mothers; non-pharmacological pain management; obstetrician efficacy; pregnancy; side effects.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
A PRISMA flow diagram for searching and selecting eligible studies included in the review.
Figure 2
Figure 2
The mechanisms that underlie acupressure’s positive effect in reducing labor pain.
Figure 3
Figure 3
The main pathways by which music conducts its beneficial effect in alleviating labor pain.
Figure 4
Figure 4
Shows the beneficial effect of aromatherapy during and after childbirth.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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