Comparison of the effects of Entonox gas and back massage on labor pain in pregnant women

Objective(s): Childbirth pain is one of the most severe pains, and the use of pain relief methods is one of the important factors in increasing maternal satisfaction with the childbirth process. Considering the importance of reducing labor pain and performing natural childbirth, this study was conducted with the aim of comparing the effect of Entonox gas and back massage on labor pain in pregnant women.

Methods

This randomized controlled clinical trial study was conducted on 84 pregnant women in Al-Hadi Shushtar maternity hospital in 2023. People were randomly divided into three groups: Entonox (Intermittent use during contractions by the mother), Back massage (stroking method during contractions from the T10 to S4 vertebra, by the researcher in 3 times of 15 minutes) and control (usual method in the maternity hospital). Pain intensity was assessed using the VAS scale. Data analysis was done using SPSS 22 statistical analysis software, one-way ANOVA, paired t-tests and Tukey's post hoc tests, and P less than 0.05 was considered significant.