THE IMPACT OF BREATHING EXERCISES ON LABOR DURATION AND MATERNAL ANXIETY IN PREGNANT WOMEN

Maternal anxiety during labor can negatively impact the birthing process and the overall experience of childbirth. Breathing exercises, such as Lamaze techniques, are believed to help reduce anxiety and potentially shorten labor duration, but evidence supporting these claims remains limited. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the impact of Lamaze breathing exercises on labor duration and maternal anxiety in pregnant women. Methods: A case-control study was conducted in the Gynecology and Obstetrics department of Nishtar Hospital, Multan, from June 2023 to June 2024. The study included 100 nulliparous pregnant women with a gestational age of 38-42 weeks, healthy vertex fetal presentation, and uncomplicated spontaneous vaginal delivery. Participants were divided into two groups: the control group (n=50) received routine checkups. In contrast, the cases group (n=50) was instructed to perform four stages of Lamaze breathing techniques during each phase of labor for at least 30 minutes. Maternal anxiety during labor was assessed using a 20-item State Anxiety Inventory. Statistical analysis was performed to compare anxiety levels and labor duration between the two groups. Results: In the early latent phase, anxiety scores were similar between the cases group (36.51 ± 2.09) and the control group (36.32 ± 3.49), with no significant difference (p=0.811). In the late latent phase, anxiety scores remained comparable between the groups (37 ± 2.66 vs 37.18 ± 1.95, p=0.768). However, in the late active phase, a statistically significant anxiety reduction was observed in the cases group compared to the control group (37.93 ± 2.08 vs 43.18 ± 2.27, p<0.001). Additionally, the duration of the first stage of labor was significantly shorter in the cases group compared to the control group (682.95 ± 189.74 minutes vs 1038.07 ± 263.05 minutes, p<0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in the duration of the second stage of labor between the groups (20.08 ± 11.50 minutes vs 25.53 ± 15.28 minutes, p=0.140). Conclusion: Lamaze breathing techniques are effective in reducing maternal anxiety during the active phase of labor and significantly shortening the duration of the first stage of labor in pregnant women. These findings support incorporating breathing exercises into prenatal care to enhance maternal comfort and potentially improve labor outcomes.