The Effect of Lavender Aromatherapy on Pain IntensityPerception and Intrapartum Outcome in Primiparouswomen

Introduction: Labor pain is one of the main preoccupations of pregnant women. In thisstudy, we aimed to determine the effect of lavender aromatherapy on pain intensity perception andintrapartum outcome in primiparous women. Methods: In this randomized controlled trial, ۱۶۰participants were divided into two groups. The aroma group received ۰.۱ milliliter of lavenderessential oil mixed with ۱ cc of distilled water via tissues attached to their gowns close to theirnostrils. On the other hand, the control group received ۲ cc of distilled water in a similar way. Painintensity perception was measured by Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) before the intervention and۳۰ and ۶۰ minutes after aromatherapy. Results: The mean of pain intensity perception in the aromagroup was lower than that of the control group ۳۰ and ۶۰ minutes after the intervention (p۰.۰۰۱).Conclusion: This study revealed that aromatherapy decreased the labor pain, but did not affect theduration of labor phases and Apgar score.