Effect of focussing on Anastatica Hierochuntica flower on labour pain, duration of labour and perceived fatigue during labour: Randomized controlled study

AKU Student

no

Authors

• Emine KOÇ, Ondokuz Mayis University, Samsun
• Şükran BAŞGÖL, Ondokuz Mayis University, Samsun
• Sümeyye BAL, Ondokuz Mayis University, Samsun
• Sabire KIRTILOĞLU, Sivas Numune Hospital, Children's Clinic, Sivas

Document Type

Article

DOI

10.71071/JAM/v12i2.1.14

Abstract

Background: Maternal fatigue and pain during labour can adversely affect the health of the mother, fetus, and newborn. Anastatica hierochuntica is a plant traditionally used in some cultures during childbirth rituals. When placed in water, the dried flower gradually unfolds and symbolically represents the opening of the uterus and birth canal. This study aimed to investigate the effect of focusing on the Anastatica hierochuntica flower during labour on labour pain, duration, and perceived fatigue.
Methods: This randomized controlled trial was conducted in the delivery unit of a mother-friendly hospital with 119 participants 60 in control group and 59 in intervention group. Participants in the intervention group were instructed to focus on a jar containing the A. hierochuntica flower during labour. The control group received standard midwifery care without additional intervention. Data were collected using the Pregnant Women Information and Labour Follow-up Form, the Visual Analogue Scale, and the Visual Similarity Scale for Fatigue. (Clinical Trial Registration: NCT06128759).
Results: The active and transition phases of the first stage of labour did not differ significantly between the groups. However, the second stage duration was significantly shorter in the intervention group compared to the control group (p = 0.033). Pain scores were also significantly lower in the intervention group (p < 0.001). Regarding perceived fatigue, the intervention group reported lower fatigue subscale scores (54.75 ± 20.84, 69.47 ± 19.82) and higher energy subscale scores (35.31 ± 9.84, 29.62 ± 7.30) than the control group (p < 0.001).
Conclusions: Focusing on the A. hierochuntica flower during labour significantly reduced pain, shortened the second stage of labour, and alleviated perceived fatigue.

Recommended Citation

KOÇ, E, BAŞGÖL, Ş, BAL, S, & KIRTILOĞLU, S. Effect of focussing on Anastatica Hierochuntica flower on labour pain, duration of labour and perceived fatigue during labour: Randomized controlled study. Journal of Asian Midwives. 2025;12(2):3–16.