The effect of aromatherapy with lavender essence on severity of labor pain and duration of labor in primiparous women.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of Lavender essence inhalation on severity of labor pain and duration of labor.

METHODS AND MATERIALS: This single-blind, randomized clinical trial was conducted on 120 pregnant women in two groups. The experimental group received 2 drops of Lavender essence inhaled at three stages (4-5, 6-7, 8-9 cm cervical dilation) and severity of the labor pain and duration of labor was measured before and after intervention. The control group was treated with distilled water as a placebo in the similar ways, too.

RESULTS: The results showed that difference in the labor pain before and after intervention in two groups was significant (P = 0/001). But there was no difference in mean duration of the active phase and the second stage of labor between the two groups.

CONCLUSION: Lavender essence aromatherapy may be an effective therapeutic option for pain management for women in labor.