Breathing Exercises During Labor and Maternal Outcomes

Effects of Breathing Exercises During Labor on Maternal Stress, Satisfaction, and Birth Outcomes: A Randomized Controlled Trial

This randomized controlled trial evaluated the effects of guided breathing exercises applied during labor on maternal stress, pain, anxiety, birth satisfaction, and labor outcomes. Pregnant women were randomly assigned to a breathing exercise group or a routine care group. Maternal psychological outcomes and labor-related clinical outcomes were compared between groups.

Labor is a physiological process that may be accompanied by pain, anxiety, and psychological stress, which can negatively affect birth satisfaction and labor outcomes. Non-pharmacological interventions such as breathing exercises are widely used to support women during labor.

In this randomized controlled experimental study, pregnant women admitted to the labor and delivery unit during the latent phase were randomly assigned to either an experimental group receiving guided breathing exercises throughout labor or a control group receiving routine intrapartum care only. Breathing exercises were applied continuously during uterine contractions until full cervical dilatation.

Maternal pain intensity, anxiety, traumatic birth perception, birth satisfaction, and labor outcomes including labor duration and obstetric interventions were assessed using validated measurement tools. The study aimed to determine whether breathing exercises could improve maternal psychological well-being, enhance birth satisfaction, and positively influence labor outcomes.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Pregnant women admitted to the labor and delivery unit during the latent phase
• Women planning vaginal birth
• Volunteered to participate

Exclusion Criteria:

• Women who did not speak Turkish
• Women with auditory or mental health problems