Qom University of Medical Sciences Journal

Background and Objectives: In the past, women traditionally have been supported by other women during labor. Although, in recent decades the issue of continuous support during labor in all hospitals in the world has been discussed, this issue has become an exeption rather than a routine. Therefore, this study aimed at assessing the effect of supportive behaviours in comparrison with usual care on labor pain process.

Methods: This quasi-experimental study was conducted on 80 primigravidas who had referred to Zanjan Valieasr hospital because of labor pain or rapture of membrane. At first, samples were selected by purposeful sampling, so they were randomly allocated into two groups; case and control. In the case group, supportive behaviors were conducted by a midwife. The control group only received usual care. For data gathering, a questionnaire and pain evaluation scale (VAS) were used. The data were analyzed by various statistical tests such as T test, Chi-Square, Mann Whitney test (p=0.05) in SPSS10 software.

Results: The findings of Independent T-test showed a significant difference between case and control groups in mean pain severity in three situations (dill: 5cm, dill: 7cm, full dilatation) (P<0.001). In the case group compared with control group, duration of active phase (P=0.001) and second stage of delivery (P<0.001) significantly was low.

Conclusion: This study showed thatcontinuous labor supportive behaviours makes labor progress and pain relief during labour. So it seems suitable that skill training be inserted in educational programs of midwifery students and applied by members of the hospital staff