Evaluating the Effectiveness of Complementary Health Therapies in Labor Pain Reduction: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Labor pain can profoundly affect a woman's childbirth and postpartum experience. This systematic review and meta-analysis examined the effectiveness of complementary health therapies for reducing labor pain. Twenty-nine randomized controlled trials (N = 3774) between 2020 and 2023 were analyzed. Interventions included massage, acupressure, yoga, music, electrical nerve stimulation, and virtual reality. Massage and acupressure were the most frequently used. These therapies significantly reduced labor pain (d = -1.16), but no single therapy was identified as the most effective. Nonpharmacological approaches may support individualized, culturally responsive labor pain management and promote integrative maternity care globally. Findings should account for heterogeneity and potential publication bias.