In 2012, Mortazavi, et. al., conducted a study related to Massage therapy which has gained recognition as a complementary strategy for managing pain and promoting well-being during labor. The presence of an attendant, providing emotional support and guidance, also plays a crucial role in the childbirth experience. In this study, researchers aimed to investigate the effects of massage therapy and the presence of an attendant on pain, anxiety, and satisfaction levels among primiparous women during labor. The findings shed light on the potential of these alternative interventions in enhancing maternal outcomes.

The study included 120 primiparous women with full-term pregnancies, who were randomly assigned to three groups: massage, attendant, and control. The massage group received firm and rhythmic massages during labor, divided into three phases. Pain, anxiety, and satisfaction levels were evaluated after 30 minutes of massage in each phase. Pain intensity was measured using the self-reported present pain intensity scale, while anxiety and satisfaction were assessed using the standard visual analog scale.

The massage group exhibited lower pain levels during the second and third phases of labor compared to the attendant group (p < 0.05). Conversely, the level of anxiety was lower in the attendant group during the second and third phases (p < 0.05). Overall satisfaction was higher in the massage group across all four phases (p < 0.001). Furthermore, the massage group experienced lower pain and anxiety levels throughout labor compared to the control group (p < 0.05). Analysis of satisfaction levels revealed significantly higher values in the massage group compared to the control group in all phases (p < 0.001). Similarly, the attendant group reported higher satisfaction levels during phases 2, 3, and 4 (p < 0.001). The duration of the active phase of labor was significantly shorter in the massage group (p < 0.001).

The study findings indicate that massage therapy is an effective alternative intervention for reducing pain and anxiety during labor, while increasing satisfaction levels. Additionally, the presence of an attendant during labor positively influences anxiety and satisfaction levels. These results emphasize the potential benefits of incorporating massage therapy and providing emotional support through attendants into standard labor care. Implementing these interventions could contribute to improving maternal well-being and childbirth experiences. Further research is warranted to explore the long-term effects and optimal utilization of massage therapy and attendant presence in diverse healthcare settings.

Reference: Mortazavi, S. H., Khaki, S., Moradi, R., Heidari, K., & Vasegh Rahimparvar, S. F. (2012). Effects of massage therapy and presence of attendant on pain, anxiety and satisfaction during labor. Archives of gynecology and obstetrics, 286, 19-23.