Proposed Topic (Most preferred): :
HA Young Investigators Session (Projects to be presented by HA staff who had joined HA for 10 years or less)
Proposed Topic (Second preferred): :
Clinical Safety and Quality Service III (Projects aiming at quality service to patients and their carers)
Authors (including presenting author) :
Wong TT, Lee PY, Shiu WY, Chan KY, Leung SK, Wan OM
Affiliation :
Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, United Christian Hospital
Introduction :
A growing global trend in natural childbirth has highlighted the potential of aromatherapy. Using essential oils (E.O.), aromatherapy is safe and can enhance relaxation, diminish anxiety, and reduce the need for prescription pain medication. This project aims to enhance the birth experience through inhalation aromatherapy in labour suite.
Objectives :
1. To measure the level of relaxation, restful sleep, degree of anxiety and pain during inhalation aromatherapy. 2. To evaluate the effectiveness of inhalation aromatherapy in decreasing the usage of pharmacological pain relief and in facilitating spontaneous vaginal delivery (SVD). 3. To evaluate maternal perceptions of inhalation aromatherapy.
Methodology :
From 1 Mar to 8 Oct 2023, a convenience sample of low-risk women in the latent phase of labour were recruited. Participants chose from six E.O. options (Lemon, Bergamot, Jasmine, Neroli Grapefruit, Lavender) and gauze with two drops of their chosen E.O. was attached to their clothing. Participants were instructed in relaxation techniques and synchronized breathing with E.O. by midwives. Aromatherapy was administered until the end of the first stage of labour unless halted by participant request or adverse maternal/fetal conditions. Aromatherapy effects were monitored using a 10-point numerical rating scale for pain and a 5-point Likert scale for other variables (level of relaxation, sleep quality, anxiety and overall satisfactory level) before aromatherapy, after 15 minutes, and at the end of the first stage labor.
Result & Outcome :
This project involved 100 consenting expectant women. Inhalation aromatherapy significantly increases relaxation, decreases anxiety and improves sleep quality at 15 minutes (p<0.05) and the end of the first stage of labour (p<0.01). The usage of pharmacological pain relief decreased to 57% for Entonox and 7% for epidural anaesthesia, compared to the general birth statistics of 75.7% and 9.8%, respectively. Similar rate of SVD observed. Despite no significant alteration in pain scores, the subjective experience was overwhelmingly positive: 85% of mothers reported satisfaction and 93% would recommend it. No adverse perinatal outcomes reported. These findings suggest aromatherapy could serve as a beneficial complement to conventional pain management strategies during labour, enhancing overall birth experience without compromising safety. Future research is needed for whether inhalation aromatherapy facilitates SVD and reduces labour pain in Hong Kong.
