Pain Management in Labor: A Literature Review Comparing Anesthetic and Non-Pharmacological Techniques
Pain Management in Labor: A Literature Review Comparing Anesthetic and Non-Pharmacological Techniques
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.22533/at.ed.15949124141010
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Palavras-chave: Manejo da dor no parto; Técnicas anestésicas; Métodos não farmacológicos; Resultados maternos; Analgesia epidural.
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Keywords: Labor pain management; Anesthetic techniques; Non-pharmacological methods; Maternal outcomes; Epidural analgesia.
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Abstract: Objectives: The aim of this literature review is to critically compare the effectiveness, safety, and overall outcomes of anesthetic and non-pharmacological techniques for labor pain management. The review also explores maternal satisfaction and labor outcomes associated with these pain management approaches, with the goal of providing evidence-based recommendations for clinical practice. Methods: A systematic search of the literature was conducted using databases such as PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Medline. Studies were selected based on pre-defined inclusion criteria, including randomized controlled trials, cohort studies, and systematic reviews published between 2010 and 2023. Keywords such as "labor pain," "anesthetic techniques," "non-pharmacological techniques," and "maternal outcomes" were used. A total of 14 studies were included in the review, focusing on the comparison between anesthetic methods like epidural and spinal analgesia and non-pharmacological approaches such as hydrotherapy, acupuncture, and TENS. Results: Anesthetic techniques, particularly epidural analgesia, consistently demonstrated superior pain relief throughout labor, with most studies highlighting its efficacy in reducing labor pain and improving maternal comfort. However, some studies indicated a higher incidence of instrumental deliveries and prolonged second-stage labor in epidural users. Non-pharmacological techniques, while less potent in pain relief, offered additional benefits such as reduced medical intervention rates and greater maternal autonomy. Techniques like hydrotherapy and acupuncture were noted to have favorable impacts on maternal satisfaction and fewer side effects compared to systemic opioid use or continuous epidural infusion. Conclusion: Both anesthetic and non-pharmacological pain management methods have their distinct advantages and limitations. Anesthetic techniques, especially epidurals, provide robust pain relief but may be associated with higher rates of medical intervention. Non-pharmacological methods, although less effective in pain relief, offer a more holistic and low-risk approach to labor management. Personalized, patient-centered approaches that combine both types of techniques may yield the best outcomes, improving both pain relief and maternal satisfaction. Future research should focus on optimizing combined pain management strategies and exploring new non-pharmacological techniques.
- Sofia Bitencourt Almeida
- David Batista Wiemder
- Milena Tarachuk de Almeida
- Sâmia Busato Ayub Fattouch
- Maurício Altenburger
- Noêmia Maria Bachega Mantovani
- Georgia Garofani Nasimoto
- Amanda Triano de Almeida
- Julia Marques de Macedo
- Lívia Soares Camargo