Effects of the Rebozo technique on labor outcomes in primiparous women: A randomized controlled trial

This study was conducted as a randomized controlled trial to examine the effect of the rebozo technique on labor duration, pain, and satisfaction in primiparous women.

The study was conducted between November 2022 and June 2023 in primiparous pregnant women who applied to a public hospital in Ankara for vaginal delivery. Pregnant women in the active phase were randomized, and 146 pregnant women, 73 in the Rebozo and 73 in the control group were included. Mother-infants were evaluated during labor and the postpartum period. Data were collected using the Descriptive Information Form, State Anxiety Scale, Birth Follow-up Form, Visual Analog Scale, and Birth Satisfaction Scale. Pregnant women in the rebozo group underwent rebozo techniques for an average of 10-15 minutes from the active phase to delivery with a rebozo shawl during contraction, according to the pregnant woman's preference.

In the rebozo group, the second stage of labor and placenta expulsion time was significantly shorter; episiotomy, laceration, the need to change pads in the first 2 hours postpartum, and the decrease in blood HTC value were found to be less. In the Rebozo group, Postpartum Maternal State Anxiety Scale and Visual Analog Scale Pain measurements were significantly lower, birth satisfaction was higher, and they preferred vaginal delivery in their subsequent births.

The use of Rebozo techniques in the labor process had many benefits for the labor and postpartum period and had no negative effects on maternal, fetal, and neonatal health.