The Effect of Ice Massage Applied to SP6 Point on Labor Pain, Labor Comfort, Labor Duration, and Anxiety

Objective: In the study, it was aimed to determine the effect of ice massage applied to SP6 point during labor on labor pain, labor comfort, labor duration, and anxiety. Design: A single blind, randomized controlled experimental trial Setting and Participants: 100 primiparas, 50 in the intervention group and 50 in the control group, with 4-5 cm cervical dilatations were included in the study. Ice massage was applied to the SP6 point of the pregnant women in the intervention group at 4-5 cm, 6-7 cm, and 8-9 cm dilatations during three contractions. Measurement Tools: The Pregnant Information Form, VAS, the Partograph Form, Childbirth Comfort Questionnaire (CCQ), and the State Anxiety Scale were used to collect data. Result: It was found that VAS scores of the pregnant women in the intervention group were significantly lower compared to the control group following the intervention at 4-5 cm, 6-7 cm, and 8-9 cm cervical dilatations (p=0.001, p=0.003, p<0.001, respectively). Total CCQ and comfort level scores of the pregnant women in the intervention group at 8-9 cm cervical dilatation were determined to be significantly higher compared to the control group (p=0.044,p=0.027, respectively). In addition, it was determined that as the anxiety levels of the pregnant women increased, their total comfort score decreased (p<0.05). Conclusions: It was found that ice application to SP6 point during stage 1 of childbirth decreased labor pain and provided positive comfort. Therefore, this method can be used as a safe and effective midwife intervention in childbirth.