Cochrane review: relaxation and yoga may decrease pain during labour and increase satisfaction with pain relief, but better quality evidence is needed
- College of Nursing, East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina, USA
- Correspondence to Pamela Reis
College of Nursing, East Carolina University, 600 Moye Boulevard, 3159 Health Sciences Building, Greenville, NC 27834, USA; reisp{at}ecu.edu
Implications for practice and research
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Evidence suggests a beneficial effect of relaxation techniques and yoga in reduction of pain intensity during labour, and reduced likelihood of assisted vaginal delivery.
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Well-designed randomised controlled trials (RCT) that further examine the efficacy and safety of relaxation, yoga, music and audio-analgesia are needed.
Context
Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is widely practiced around the world, especially among women of childbearing age.1 The incidence of CAM use during pregnancy may be as high as 87%.2 Nurse-midwives play a crucial role in the care of women during pregnancy …
