The Effect of Foot Reflexology on Anxiety, Pain, and Outcomes of the Labor in Primigravida Women

Reflexology is a technique used widely as one of non-pharmacological pain management<br />techniques. The present study aimed to review and determine the effect of foot reflexology on anxiety, pain<br />and outcomes of the labor in primigravida women. This clinical trial study was conducted on 80 primigravida<br />mothers who were divided randomly into an intervention group (Foot reflexology applied for 40 min, n=40)<br />and control group (n=40). The pain intensity was scored immediately after the end of intervention and at 30,<br />60 and 120 min after the intervention in both groups, based on McGill Questionnaire for Pain Rating Index<br />(PRI). Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) was completed before and after intervention in both<br />groups. Duration of labor phases, the type of labor and Apgar scores of the infant at the first and fifth minute<br />were recorded in both groups. Descriptive and inferential statistics methods (t-test and chi-square test) were<br />applied in analyzing data. Application of reflexology technique decreased pain intensity (at 30, 60 and 120<br />min after intervention) and duration of labor as well as anxiety level significantly (P<0.001). Furthermore, a<br />significant difference was observed between two groups in terms of the frequency distribution of the type of<br />labor and Apgar score (P<0.001). Results of this study show that reflexology reduces labor pain intensity,<br />duration of labor, anxiety, frequency distribution of natural delivery and increases Apgar scores. Using this<br />non-invasive technique, obstetricians can achieve, to some extent, to one of the most important goals of<br />midwifery as pain relief and reducing anxiety during labor and encourage the mothers to have a vaginal<br />delivery