The Effect of foot reflexology on anxiety during of labor on primiparous

Fear of labor pain is one of the problems that raise rate of caesarean section in Iran. Midwives can use one of the nonpharmacological pain relief methods such as reflexology and encourage mothers to use normal vaginal delivery. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of reflexology on anxiety during labor in primiparous. This clinical trial (IRCT: 0022) was carried out on 80 primiparous women with low risk pregnancy that referring to Karaj hospitals. Patients were randomly assigned in two groups. Intervention group received reflexology for 40 minutes. Level of anxity before and after intervention was measured with Spielberger''s State-Trait Anxiety Questionnaire. The data was analyzed by t-test and Repeated measure ANOVA tests. There was no significant differences between two groups before the intervention (p=0. 15). After intervention the difference in anxiety score was significant between two groups (p<0. 001). Reflexology can lead to decrease anxiety during of labor. Therefore، this noninvasive technique can be used for decrease of anxiety and encourage mothers to use normal vaginal delivery.