Abstract:

Objective: This study was carried out to determine the effects of massage and hot-pack applications in the first stage of labor on perceptions of labor pain and duration of delivery. Methods: This randomized controlled experimental trial was conducted in an obstetrics and pediatrics hospital. The research sample comprised 120 pregnant women, 40 of whom were in the massage group, 40 of whom were in the hot-pack application group, and 40 of whom were in the control group. Patient identification forms, labor process monitoring forms, and a visual analogue scale (VAS) were used to collect data. Results: It was determined that the massage and hot-pack applications shortened the durations of the active and transition phases of labor. The massage and hot-pack applications also reduced perceptions of pain in the active and transition phases. Mean VAS scores of the massage and hot-pack application groups were lower than those of the control group (p<0.001). Conclusion: Massage and hot-pack applications decreased the duration of the active and transition phases of labor and the perceptions of pain in those phases. These results demonstrate that massage and hot-pack applications are effective nursing interventions for the treatment of labor pain and can be used confidently

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