The Benefits of Aromatherapy for Pain Relief During Labor
When it comes to managing pain during labor, many people are turning to natural methods to complement traditional medical practices. Aromatherapy, the use of essential oils from plants, is one such option. This practice has been around for centuries, and today, it is gaining popularity as a way to enhance well-being during labor. We’ll explore it’s purpose and use in this Sweet Bee blog post.
What is Aromatherapy?
Aromatherapy involves using essential oils—highly concentrated extracts from plants—to promote relaxation and reduce discomfort. These oils are often mixed with a carrier oil like grape seed, sweet almond, or sesame oil. They can be massaged into the skin, added to a warm bath, or diffused into the air.
As a complementary therapy, aromatherapy can be used alongside other medical treatments, such as epidurals, or on its own with other natural pain management techniques. Many people find that aromatherapy is a cost-effective way to manage pain and anxiety during labor, offering comfort without the use of drugs.
How Does Aromatherapy Work to Relieve Pain?
Although we don’t fully understand how aromatherapy works, researchers believe it may influence the brain’s limbic system, which controls emotions and memories. By stimulating this part of the brain, essential oils might help reduce anxiety and tension, leading to a decrease in how much pain you feel.
Aromatherapy may also lower levels of cortisol, a stress hormone, and increase serotonin, a chemical that promotes feelings of well-being. In this way, essential oils could enhance your body’s natural ability to manage stress and pain during labor.
Potential Risks of Aromatherapy
While aromatherapy is generally considered safe, essential oils are potent substances that can cause skin irritation or allergic reactions in some people. It’s often recommended to perform a patch test on the skin before using a larger amount of essential oil.
One large study from a British hospital followed over 8,000 mothers who used aromatherapy during labor. The study found that more than half of the mothers rated aromatherapy as helpful, and only 1% reported unwanted effects such as nausea, itchy rash, or headache. These side effects were mild and may have been related to the labor process itself rather than the aromatherapy.
What Does the Evidence Say About Aromatherapy During Labor?
Research on Aromatherapy
Although the most recent Cochrane review on aromatherapy during labor is outdated, new research has emerged. We found eight recent randomized controlled trials that explored the use of essential oils for pain and anxiety relief during labor.
Types of Essential Oils Used in Studies
The studies included essential oils like lavender, rose, citrus, jasmine, geranium, and others. Most of these studies took place in Iran, where the participants had unmedicated births. The essential oils were applied in various ways, such as on a piece of gauze attached to the mother’s clothing, massaged into the skin, or diffused into the air.
Study Outcomes
Five of the studies specifically looked at pain relief, and all found that aromatherapy led to lower pain scores compared to a placebo or control group. Even though pain scores remained high as labor progressed, the aromatherapy group consistently reported less pain.
The studies also showed that aromatherapy helped reduce anxiety during labor. Four of the five studies on anxiety found that both the aromatherapy and placebo groups experienced decreased anxiety, though the reduction was greater in the aromatherapy group. This suggests that the care and attention provided during the study, along with the use of essential oils, contributed to a sense of reassurance and support.
Additional Benefits
Some studies found that aromatherapy could shorten the length of labor and reduce blood pressure, offering additional benefits beyond pain and anxiety relief.
Aromatherapy and Healthcare Providers
Aromatherapy doesn’t just benefit those in labor—it can also help healthcare providers. Research has shown that essential oils like lavender can reduce stress among nurses working in hospital settings. For example, a study in Arizona found that diffusing lavender essential oil in a critical care unit led to lower stress levels among nurses.
Aromatherapy offers a natural, non-invasive way to manage pain and anxiety during labor. It’s an affordable option that can be used safely alongside other pain management techniques. However, it may not be suitable for everyone, particularly those with allergies or respiratory issues. If you’re considering aromatherapy for labor, it’s a good idea to consult with a professional aromatherapist to find the best oils and methods for you.
For those who choose to use it, my absolute favorites are Lavender, Sage and Peppermint. I either massage a few drops into the skin with body oil/lotion, add a couple drops to a diffuser, or use them on a wafting cloth.
Based on the research, the following essential oils may also be especially helpful during labor:
Reduce pain levels: Lavender, Citruses, Jasmine, Sage (Salvia officinalis), Bitter Orange, Geranium, Rose
Decrease stress and/or anxiety: Lavender, Rose, Sweet Orange Peel or Bitter Orange, Geranium, Lavender
Reduce length of labor: Sage
Reduce nausea and vomiting symptoms: Peppermint
Reduce diastolic blood pressure levels: Geranium
Aromatherapy is a gentle, holistic option that can contribute to a more comfortable and positive birth experience. Whether you choose to use essential oils on their own or as part of a broader pain management plan, this practice can offer a soothing presence during one of life’s most profound moments.
References
Burns, E., Blamey, C., Ersser, S. J., Barnetson, L., & Lloyd, A. J. (2000). "The use of aromatherapy in intrapartum midwifery practice: An observational study." Complementary Therapies in Nursing and Midwifery, 6(1), 33-34.
Smith, C. A., Collins, C. T., Crowther, C. A., & Levett, K. M. (2011). "Aromatherapy for pain management in labour." Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Issue 7. Art. No.: CD009215.
Akbari, F., Namazi, G., & Kamali, H. (2018). "The effect of inhalation aromatherapy with rose essential oil on anxiety and pain in primiparous women: A randomized controlled trial." Journal of Caring Sciences, 7(3), 165-170.
Hosseini, S. M., Nazarzadeh, M., & Jahanfar, S. (2017). "The effect of lavender on pain and anxiety in labor: A systematic review and meta-analysis." Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Research, 43(5), 831-837.
Lavender, T., Alfirevic, Z., Walkinshaw, S. A., & Poston, L. (2001). "The effect of aromatherapy on intrapartum pain management in nulliparous women." Journal of Midwifery & Women's Health, 46(4), 179-182.
