The effects of lavender oil inhalation on level of anxiety during first stage of labor in primigravida women

Anxiety is the most prevalent emotional reaction of women during labor. The aim of this research is to determine the effect of lavender oil inhalation on level of anxiety during first stage of labor in primigravida women. This clinical trial which was done in 2008, 102 primigravida women was randomly accomplished on three groups. In lavender oil group, subjects inhaled oil by handkerchiefs smeared with oil for 15 minutes, in placebo group, subjects inhaled sweet almond oil for 15 minutes in the same way and in usual caring group, the routine care of maternity ward was done. The rate of anxiety was measured by Spiel-Berger anxiety questionnaire and compared before, immediately, and 60 minutes after intervention in groups. Data analyzed using chi square, one-way ANOVA and Kruskal-Wallis test. Result show significant decrease in the rate of state anxiety, before and immediately after intervention and before and 60 minutes after it in lavender group compared with placebo and usual care groups (P=0.001). Also there was significant decrease in the rate of trait anxiety, before and immediately after intervention (P=0.021) and before and 60 minutes after it (P=0.049) in lavender group compared with placebo group. Lavender oil inhalation can reduce the rate of state anxiety during labor until 60 minutes after inhaling, so using the lavender oil for reducing the anxiety of women in each time of labor is suggested.