Literature Review: Study of the Effectiveness of Various Complementary Therapies in Reducing the Intensity of Active Phase of First-stage Labor Pain
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Laborpainisaphysiologicalprocessexperiencedbywomenduringchildbirth,particularlyinthefirststageoftheactivephase, which may cause both physical and psychological discomfort. Uncontrolled pain intensity can increase anxiety and stress, therebypotentiallyaffectingthelaborprocess.Therefore,effectiveandsafepainmanagementisneeded,oneofwhichisthrough complementary therapies as non-pharmacological approaches. This study aims to analyze the effectiveness of various complementary therapies in reducing labor pain during the first stage of the active phase. The research method used was a literaturereviewbyanalyzing10quantitativeresearcharticlespublishedbetween2017and2025,employingpre-experimental and quasi-experimental designs. The results of the review indicate that all complementary therapies, including lavender and lemonaromatherapy,deepbreathingrelaxationtechniques,warmcompresses,hydrotherapy,oxytocinmassage,andeffleurage massage,wereproventobeeffectiveinreducinglaborpainintensity.Thisisevidencedbyadecreaseinpainscoresbeforeand afterintervention and statistically significant results (p <0.05)in allstudies. Thesetherapies work through mechanisms such asinducingrelaxation,improving blood circulation,stimulating endorphinrelease,andinhibiting painsignaltransmissionto thecentralnervoussystem.Inconclusion,complementarytherapiesareeffectiveasalternativemethodsforreducinglaborpain in the first stage of the active phase and can be used as supportive non-pharmacological pain management strategies during childbirth.
Institution: Sekolah Tinggi Ilmu Kesehatan Brebes
Language: Indonesian
Subfield: Obstetrics and Gynecology
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W7220134446