Cesarean delivery is a common surgical procedure associated with postoperative pain, anxiety, and reduced maternal comfort during the early postpartum period. Non-pharmacological interventions such as aromatherapy and massage have been suggested as supportive approaches for improving maternal well-being; however, further evidence is needed regarding their effectiveness after cesarean delivery.
This randomized controlled trial aims to evaluate the effects of aromatherapy inhalation and aromatherapy-assisted back massage on postoperative pain, anxiety, and postpartum comfort in women after cesarean delivery.
Participants who meet the eligibility criteria will be randomly assigned to three groups: an aromatherapy inhalation group, an aromatherapy-assisted back massage group, and a placebo group receiving sterile water inhalation as a simulation. Interventions will be initiated after cesarean delivery, and outcomes will be assessed using the Visual Analog Scale for pain intensity, the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory for anxiety level, and the Postpartum Comfort Scale for comfort level.
This study is expected to provide information about the potential contribution of complementary non-pharmacological interventions to maternal recovery after cesarean delivery.
Women aged 18-40 years Primiparous women Undergoing cesarean delivery under spinal anesthesia Term pregnancy (38-42 gestational weeks) Able to communicate and complete study questionnaires Willing to participate and provide written informed consent No known allergy to essential oils Intact sense of smell
seyma.catalgol@usak.edu.tr
Participants in this group will receive aromatherapy inhalation beginning at the 6th postoperative hour after cesarean delivery. The intervention will be administered at 6, 18, 30, and 42 hours after surgery using Rosa damascena essential oil according to the study protocol. Pain, anxiety, and postpartum comfort outcomes will be assessed before and after the intervention sessions according to the study protocol.
Participants in this group will receive aromatherapy-assisted back massage starting at the 6th postoperative hour after cesarean delivery. The intervention will be administered at 6, 18, 30, and 42 hours after surgery. Back massage will be performed using Rosa damascena essential oil diluted with a carrier oil according to the study protocol. Pain, anxiety, and postpartum comfort outcomes will be assessed before and after each intervention session.
Participants in this group will receive placebo inhalation beginning at the 6th postoperative hour after cesarean delivery. The intervention will be administered at 6, 18, 30, and 42 hours after surgery using sterile water as a simulation of aromatherapy according to the study protocol. Pain, anxiety, and postpartum comfort outcomes will be assessed before and after the intervention sessions according to the study protocol.
The Effect of Aromatherapy Applied After Cesarean Section on Pain Intensity and Comfort Level
The Impact of Preoperative Aromatherapy Upon Time to First Analgesia Request After Cesarean Section