Impact of Back Massage by Trained Birth Companions on Labor Outcomes in primigravida Mothers

The labor and delivery process can be particularly stressful for first-time mothers. Providing massage and emotional support through birth companions may enhance the birthing experience. The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of back massage from trained companions on reducing analgesic use, pain intensity scores, and labor duration.

The study involved first-time mothers and companions in the intervention group during antenatal care visits received training in massage techniques, while the control group did not. Data were obtained through a pre-tested questionnaire during antenatal visits and delivery, and a multivariable logistic regression model was employed to analyze the effects of massage on delivery outcomes, accounting for confounding variables.

The findings revealed the following:

• Back massage had a beneficial impact on labor and delivery.
• Women who received back massages were 2.27 times less likely to require analgesics and 3.71 times more likely to report a pain intensity reduction of over 2 points compared to those receiving standard care. 
• Furthermore, the massaged group had a 2.24 times greater chance of having a labor duration of less than 12 hours.

Thus, the study concluded that back massage by trained birth companions effectively reduces the need for analgesics, lowers pain intensity, and shortens labor duration for primigravida mothers.

Source: Moncy A, Jain M, Kumar A, Jain S, Mishra A, Kansal S, Evaluating the effects of back massage during labour on delivery outcomes: A prospective study on primigravida mothers. Indian J Obstet Gynecol Res. 2024;11(4):634-639.