Effect of Nonpharmacological Methods on The Active Phase Of Labour

Midwifery care, breathing exercises, massage and exercise applications were performed on pregnant women in this group during the active phase of labour. Following breathing exercises, massage was applied for 10 minutes using different techniques according to rest and contraction intervals. Pain levels were assessed using the VAS before and after massage. After the massage, the exercise session began; the pregnant woman was first walked along a 50-metre corridor, followed by squatting, squat, four-legged positions, wall stretching movements, and pelvic tilt, swaying, and leg stretching exercises using a Pilates ball. Pain levels were measured using the VAS before and after all exercise applications.

In addition to midwifery care, breathing exercises, massage, and hot showers were administered in this group. Massage was administered for 10 minutes after the breathing exercises, and pain levels were measured using the VAS before and after the massage. After the massage, considering the risk of the pregnant woman falling, she was seated on a stool in the shower, and warm water at a temperature of 36.5-37.8 °C was applied to the lower abdomen and sacrum region during contractions for 15 minutes. To prevent chills, the application was repeated at 10-minute intervals, and pain levels before and after were again assessed using the VAS.

In addition to midwifery care, breathing exercises, massage, exercise and hot shower treatments were performed for this group. As in Groups 1 and 2, the application began with breathing exercises, followed by massage, exercise, and hot showers in sequence. Pain levels were assessed using the VAS before and after each application, and measurements were taken again during the massage. Ten-minute breaks were given between applications to allow the pregnant women to rest, and the applications were continued alternately.

In this study, the fourth group was evaluated as the intervention 4 group and was followed up in accordance with standard interventions frequently applied during the birth process. Pregnant women in this group received routine midwifery care, massage treatments to promote relaxation, and breathing exercises in accordance with hospital protocols. In addition, pharmacological pain management methods commonly used in the clinic were also applied in this group.