Effect of relaxation practices on labour pain and choice of epidural: An exploratory mixed-method study

Theoretical literature suggests utilising relaxation practices during labour can mitigate perceived pain. However, empirical evidence regarding their effectiveness in reducing epidural use remains inconclusive. Investigating women's experiences with relaxation techniques during labour, alongside their use of epidural, may provide further insights into these conflicting results.

To investigate women's experiences regarding the impact of relaxation practices on labour pain and the utilisation of epidurals, following attendance at an antenatal relaxation class (ARC).

An exploratory sequential mixed method was used.

Phase 1 explored the experiences of women using qualitative interviews. Phase 2 was a prospective longitudinal cohort study using online surveys completed before and after attending ARC and post-birth.

Of the 17 women interviewed in Phase 1, all 15 who experienced labour reported using 'relaxation for labour pain' which enhanced their ability to cope with labour pain, resulting in satisfaction and pride. However, the effectiveness of these practices in influencing epidural use depended on the 'space for relaxation' shaped by the physical surroundings, clinical context, and birth attendants. Among the 91 women who participated in Phase 2, both the 'intended use of epidural' post-class and the 'actual use of epidural' post-birth were significantly lower than the 'intended use of epidural' pre-class. Women whose labour started spontaneously reported using relaxation techniques at home to manage pain, and most delayed hospitalisation until labour was established.

Educating women on relaxation practices can enhance their ability to cope with labour pain and reduce the use of epidural for pain management.