The effectiveness of slow paced breathing on pain perception during first stage of labour among primigravida mothers

Natural childbirth is a profound and powerful human experience which is a mixture of feeling of empowerment and accomplishment. Both pharmacological and non-pharmacological methods are available today and it is known that the non- pharmacological options involve less risk when used in this process. Breathing exercises helps labour women to relax and distract from the painful response. The research design adopted for this study was quasi experimental design. The sample size was 60 (30 experimental and 30 control group) and was drawn through purposive sampling technique. The level of labour pain perception was assessed by using Numeric pain rating scale. Slow paced breathing was instructed to practice during contractions for 2 hours during active phase for experimental group. Pre-test was assessed before intervention and Post test done after intervention for both group. The data gathered were analyzed by descriptive and inferential statistical method. The mean post-test score on level of pain perception during first stage of labour in experimental group was 1.6, but in control group it was 2.5. The calculated unpaired„ t‟ value was 5.92, which is more than the table value at 5% significance (table value=2.02). Hence, it was statistically significant at 5% (p<0.05). It shows that slow paced breathing is effective in reduction of pain perception during first stage of labour. Hence, the research hypothesis (H1) is accepted. There is no significant association between demographic variables. Hence, the research hypothesis (H2) is rejected. This study finding revealed that slow paced breathing exercise helps in reducing the level of pain perception among primigravida mothers in the experimental group. So this can be practiced as a Non-pharmacological method to relieve pain perception during labour in various settings.