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Published on: January 7, 2020
Aromatherapy in childbirth: a pilot randomised controlled trial
1School of Health and Social Care, Oxford Brookes University, Oxford, UK. eburns@brookes.ac.uk
Summary
This study explored aromatherapy during labour, finding it feasible for trials and potentially reducing neonatal intensive care unit transfers. While not statistically significant for most outcomes, it offers insights for future research on maternal and neonatal care.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Complementary and Alternative Medicine
- Clinical Trial Methodology
Background:
- Aromatherapy is explored as a non-pharmacological intervention in childbirth.
- Evaluating its feasibility in a randomized controlled trial (RCT) is crucial for understanding its potential benefits.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the feasibility of conducting a randomized controlled trial (RCT) on aromatherapy during labour.
- To assess aromatherapy's impact on maternal and neonatal outcomes.
Main Methods:
- A randomized controlled trial (RCT) comparing aromatherapy with standard care was conducted in an Italian district general maternity unit.
- 251 women received aromatherapy with essential oils administered by trained midwives, while 262 women received standard care.
- Intrapartum outcomes included operative delivery, labour augmentation, pain relief, and neonatal wellbeing (Apgar scores, NICU transfers).
Main Results:
- No significant differences were observed in caesarean sections, operative vaginal deliveries, or labour augmentation between groups.
- A statistically significant reduction in neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) transfers was noted in the aromatherapy group (0 vs. 6, P=0.017).
- Aromatherapy showed a reduction in pain perception for nulliparous women, though the study was underpowered.
Conclusions:
- Conducting an RCT on aromatherapy during labour is feasible.
- The study provides valuable data for future sample size calculations for aromatherapy interventions in childbirth.
- Aromatherapy may offer benefits in reducing NICU admissions and pain perception during labour.