EFFECTIVENESS OF LAVENDER AROMATHERAPY BY INHALATION AND MASSAGE ON REDUCING PAIN IN THE ACTIVE PHASE OF 1ST STAGE LABOR

Abstract

Background:

Lavender aromatherapy is a widely used non-pharmacological method to help reduce labor pain. The linalool and linalyl acetate in lavender have relaxing and analgesic effects that can reduce pain perception. However, clinical evidence based on controlled experimental designs is still needed.

Objective:
To determine the effectiveness of lavender aromatherapy in reducing the intensity of labor pain in mothers giving birth in the first active phase.

Method:
The study used a randomized controlled trial design with two groups, involving 20 women who met the inclusion criteria. The intervention group (n=10) was given lavender aromatherapy inhalation for 20 minutes accompanied by lumbosacral massage using the effleurage technique, while the control group (n=10) received standard care without aromatherapy. Pain intensity was measured using the Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) before and after the intervention. Analysis was performed using paired t-tests and independent t-tests with a significance level of 0.05.

Results:
The lavender group experienced a 3.4-point reduction in pain, significantly higher than the control group, which only experienced a 0.9-point reduction. The difference in pain reduction between groups was statistically significant (p < 0.001). The duration of the active phase of the first stage of labor was also shorter in the lavender group (p = 0.012).

Conclusion:
Lavender aromatherapy effectively reduces the intensity of labor pain and helps shorten the duration of the active phase of the first stage of labor. This method can be recommended as a complementary intervention in labor pain management.