The application of non-pharmacological techniques for pain relief in labor
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.29352/mill0220e.41252Keywords:
abor; pain; non-pharmacological techniques; parturients; obstetric nurseAbstract
Introduction: Non-pharmacological pain relief techniques during labor are a valuable tool managed either by the woman/couple or by the Specialist Nurse in Maternal and Obstetric Health (EHESM) or the professional assisting the birth, with their implementation and effectiveness being influenced by a multitude of factors.
Objective: To determine which sociodemographic, professional, and training context variables interfere with the application of non-pharmacological techniques in labor and delivery by EHESM.
Methods: Analytical, descriptive-correlational, cross-sectional study with a non-probabilistic, convenience sample (N=204 nurses). A data collection instrument was applied to characterize the sociodemographic dimensions, and a scale validated in this research, with an overall alpha of 0.906, to assess the use of various non-pharmacological techniques for pain relief during labor by EHESM.
Results: In 84.3% of the sample, the delivery room where they work provides the parturient with non-pharmacological pain relief techniques; in 59.3% they are made available to the parturient from admission to the delivery room and in 31.9% from the start of labor, the most obvious being: Pilates ball (66.7%), hydrotherapy (53.9%), massage (43.1%), free walking (34.3%), music therapy (29.9%), breathing techniques (21.6%), thermotherapy (11.8%), freedom of movement (11.8%) and rebozo (10.3%). Female nurses in the 36-44 age group apply sensory, mechanical, emotional, and dynamic non-pharmacological techniques the most.
Conclusion: Obstetric nurses have a privileged role to play in monitoring labor, and it is up to them to inform pregnant women/parturients about non-pharmacological pain relief techniques and to apply them during labor, thus making childbirth more humanized and a more rewarding experience.
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