Effect of Multi-Sensory Interventions on Labor Pain, Comfort, and Birth Satisfaction

Condition(s) studied

Investigational drug(s) / intervention(s)

Sacral Massage: A 10-minute sacral massage applied by a trained midwife during each stage of labor (three sessions in total). The massage involves circular hand motions to relieve pain and promote relaxation.

Lavender Aromatherapy: Lavender essential oil diffused for 20 minutes during each stage of labor (three times total) to promote calmness and reduce pain intensity.

Turkish Makam Music: Rehavi and Nihavend Turkish makam music (45-65 dB) played through headphones for 20 minutes during each stage of labor (three times total).

Aquarium Visual Stimulus: Continuous presentation of an aquarium scene video during the active phase of labor to provide visual distraction and relaxation.

Study summary

The goal of this clinical trial is to learn whether different multi-sensory methods can help lower labor pain and improve comfort and birth satisfaction among pregnant women giving birth vaginally.

The main questions this study aims to answer are:

Do supportive methods such as massage, lavender aromatherapy, Turkish makam music, or aquarium visual stimulation help women feel less labor pain compared to standard care?

Do these methods increase women's comfort and satisfaction during labor?

Participants will be randomly assigned to one of five groups:

Sacral massage group - will receive 10-minute sacral massages three times during labor.

Lavender aromatherapy group - will inhale lavender essential oil through a diffuser for 20 minutes, three times during labor.

Music therapy group - will listen to Turkish makam music (Rehavi or Nihavend) for 20 minutes, three times during labor.

Visual stimulation group - will watch a live aquarium image continuously during active labor.

Control group - will receive standard maternity care only.

All participants will give informed consent and receive care in the obstetrics unit of Kütahya City Hospital, Türkiye.

Researchers will measure:

Labor pain intensity at 4-5 cm, 6-7 cm, and 8-10 cm cervical dilatation using a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS).

Comfort level at 8-9 cm using the Comfort Characteristics Questionnaire (CCQ).

Birth satisfaction about 2 hours after delivery using the Birth Satisfaction Scale (BSS).

Labor duration will also be recorded.

This study will help determine which sensory methods are most effective and comfortable for pregnant women, and may guide supportive care practices during childbirth.

Eligibility

Primary outcome measure(s)

• Labor Pain Level — Assessed at 4-5 cm, 6-7 cm, and 8-10 cm cervical dilation during active labor.
  Pain intensity measured using a 10-cm VAS at three points in active labor.

Trial sites (1)

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