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Review Article
Online Published: 19 Jan 2025
 


Nonpharmacological approaches for managing labor pain: systematic review

Nadiah Muqbil Alhabardi, Rana Mutlaq Alotaibi, Ghaday Saad Almutairi, Norah Turki Alrowaitee, Raghad Mohammed Alajlan, Fatmah Abdulrhman Alhumidan, Maha Abdullah Almutairi, Reouf Khalid Alshikhi, Khulood Khalid Alrabyee, Fai Saleh Aljarallah.


Abstract
Pain management during labor has transitioned from traditional natural methods to modern pharmacological interventions, such as epidurals and opioids. While effective, these methods are associated with significant side effects and risks, driving interest in nonpharmacological pain management (NPPM) techniques such as acupressure, aromatherapy, massage, and water immersion. This systematic review evaluates the effectiveness, safety, and implementation challenges of these approaches.
A comprehensive search was conducted across five major databases (Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar) to identify studies published between January 2015 and July 2024. The review synthesized findings from 82 studies using a narrative approach, focusing on various NPPM techniques categorized into physical, psychological, and complementary or alternative methods.
The results highlight that techniques, such as water immersion and acupressure, consistently reduce labor pain and enhance maternal satisfaction. However, challenges, including insufficient healthcare provider training, resource limitations, and cultural perceptions, hinder the widespread adoption of NPPM strategies. These approaches offer distinct advantages over pharmacological methods, such as fewer side effects, enhanced maternal empowerment, and reduced medical interventions.
Despite their potential, the evidence for some NPPM techniques, particularly acupuncture and virtual reality, remains limited, underscoring the need for more randomized controlled trials. Additionally, standardizing protocols and addressing barriers in resource-limited settings are critical for promoting equitable access to safe and effective labor pain management worldwide.

Key words: Non-pharmacological pain management, labor pain, acupressure, aromatherapy, water immersion, childbirth


 
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How to Cite this Article
Pubmed Style

Alhabardi NM, Alotaibi RM, Almutairi GS, Alrowaitee NT, Alajlan RM, Alhumidan FA, Almutairi MA, Alshikhi RK, Alrabyee KK, Aljarallah FS. Nonpharmacological approaches for managing labor pain: systematic review. IJMDC. 2024; 8(12): 3808-3815. doi:10.24911/IJMDC.51-1734622886

Web Style

Alhabardi NM, Alotaibi RM, Almutairi GS, Alrowaitee NT, Alajlan RM, Alhumidan FA, Almutairi MA, Alshikhi RK, Alrabyee KK, Aljarallah FS. Nonpharmacological approaches for managing labor pain: systematic review. https://www.ijmdc.com/?mno=233762 [Access: October 14, 2025]. doi:10.24911/IJMDC.51-1734622886

AMA (American Medical Association) Style

Alhabardi NM, Alotaibi RM, Almutairi GS, Alrowaitee NT, Alajlan RM, Alhumidan FA, Almutairi MA, Alshikhi RK, Alrabyee KK, Aljarallah FS. Nonpharmacological approaches for managing labor pain: systematic review. IJMDC. 2024; 8(12): 3808-3815. doi:10.24911/IJMDC.51-1734622886


Vancouver/ICMJE Style

Alhabardi NM, Alotaibi RM, Almutairi GS, Alrowaitee NT, Alajlan RM, Alhumidan FA, Almutairi MA, Alshikhi RK, Alrabyee KK, Aljarallah FS. Nonpharmacological approaches for managing labor pain: systematic review. IJMDC. (2024), [cited October 14, 2025]; 8(12): 3808-3815. doi:10.24911/IJMDC.51-1734622886


Harvard Style

Alhabardi, N. M., Alotaibi, . R. M., Almutairi, . G. S., Alrowaitee, . N. T., Alajlan, . R. M., Alhumidan, . F. A., Almutairi, . M. A., Alshikhi, . R. K., Alrabyee, . K. K. & Aljarallah, . F. S. (2024) Nonpharmacological approaches for managing labor pain: systematic review. IJMDC, 8 (12), 3808-3815. doi:10.24911/IJMDC.51-1734622886


Turabian Style

Alhabardi, Nadiah Muqbil, Rana Mutlaq Alotaibi, Ghaday Saad Almutairi, Norah Turki Alrowaitee, Raghad Mohammed Alajlan, Fatmah Abdulrhman Alhumidan, Maha Abdullah Almutairi, Reouf Khalid Alshikhi, Khulood Khalid Alrabyee, and Fai Saleh Aljarallah. 2024. Nonpharmacological approaches for managing labor pain: systematic review. International Journal of Medicine in Developing Countries, 8 (12), 3808-3815. doi:10.24911/IJMDC.51-1734622886


Chicago Style

Alhabardi, Nadiah Muqbil, Rana Mutlaq Alotaibi, Ghaday Saad Almutairi, Norah Turki Alrowaitee, Raghad Mohammed Alajlan, Fatmah Abdulrhman Alhumidan, Maha Abdullah Almutairi, Reouf Khalid Alshikhi, Khulood Khalid Alrabyee, and Fai Saleh Aljarallah. "Nonpharmacological approaches for managing labor pain: systematic review." International Journal of Medicine in Developing Countries 8 (2024), 3808-3815. doi:10.24911/IJMDC.51-1734622886


MLA (The Modern Language Association) Style

Alhabardi, Nadiah Muqbil, Rana Mutlaq Alotaibi, Ghaday Saad Almutairi, Norah Turki Alrowaitee, Raghad Mohammed Alajlan, Fatmah Abdulrhman Alhumidan, Maha Abdullah Almutairi, Reouf Khalid Alshikhi, Khulood Khalid Alrabyee, and Fai Saleh Aljarallah. "Nonpharmacological approaches for managing labor pain: systematic review." International Journal of Medicine in Developing Countries 8.12 (2024), 3808-3815. Print. doi:10.24911/IJMDC.51-1734622886


APA (American Psychological Association) Style

Alhabardi, N. M., Alotaibi, . R. M., Almutairi, . G. S., Alrowaitee, . N. T., Alajlan, . R. M., Alhumidan, . F. A., Almutairi, . M. A., Alshikhi, . R. K., Alrabyee, . K. K. & Aljarallah, . F. S. (2024) Nonpharmacological approaches for managing labor pain: systematic review. International Journal of Medicine in Developing Countries, 8 (12), 3808-3815. doi:10.24911/IJMDC.51-1734622886




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