Non-pharmacological methods of pain relief used during normal labor

Abstract

Introduction: Non-pharmacological methods of pain relief are based on structured knowledge, which does not require sophisticated equipment to be used, being based on the structured knowledge of health professionals, used both to relieve pain and to humanize childbirth. Objective: To investigate the possibility of performing the normal delivery procedure using non-pharmacological methods, to describe the main non-pharmacological methods of pain relief, identifying the obstetric nurse's action in this scenario. Method: This is an exploratory study of literature review carried out in the databases of the Virtual Health Library and Scientific Electronic Library Online, in articles published from 2005 to 2017. Results and Discussion: They were identified as non-pharmacological methods in the relief of pain in normal childbirth: hydrotherapy, ambulation and change of position, relaxation exercises, aromatherapy, breathing technique, massage, music therapy, delivery ball, electrical stimulation and acupuncture. Conclusion: Non-pharmacological methods of pain relief have been highlighted by movements in favor of humanizing childbirth practices, seeking to decrease the use of drugs and introducing women as protagonists in this scenario.