Page 234 - Hospital Authority Convention 2017

Service Enhancement Presentations
HOSPITAL AUTHORITY CONVENTION 2017

F8.5 Young HA Investigators Presentations 14:30 Room 421

Aromatherapy (Inhalation) for Pain Management in Labour
Lai OK, Or SL, Sin SW, Sin WH, Ng WYJ, Ho LF
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Princess Margaret Hospital, Hong Kong
Introduction
Aromatherapy is the use of essential oils derived from aromatic plants for therapeutic purposes. It was first introduced to
maternity care in the early 1990s. Researches have been done and revealed that the use of aromatherapy may shorten the
duration of labour, and women had favourable self report on using aromatherapy to reduce anxiety, fear and pain.

Objectives
(1) To provide guidance for practicing aromatherapy safely and effectively; (2) to provide informed choice for women to cope
with labour pain and (3) to promote positive experience in labour.

Methodology
Aromatherapy for low risk labouring women >37 weeks of gestation, as a labour pain relief method was launched in July 2015.
In order to evaluate the effectiveness of the programme, both the maternal and baby outcomes were monitored. Moreover,
maternal satisfaction was collected, via a Women’s Satisfaction Survey after delivery.

Results
During the 18 months from July 2015 to December 2016, 645 women used aromatherapy as labour pain relief. It accounted
for 8.7% over total deliveries of 7,389. Among the cases using aromatherapy, no significant adverse maternal and baby
outcomes was noted.
From the feedback of women, 171 women (26.5%) reported lesser pain after using aromatherapy, while 28 (4.3%) expressed
that it was very useful for relieving labour pain and 138 (21.4%) expressed that the effect was moderate. Moreover, 57 (8.8%)
women commented that it was very useful for alleviating anxiety as well as 60 (9.3%) women reported that it was very useful
for relaxation. Majority of women, 470 (72.9%) would like to use aromatherapy again for her next pregnancy, while 497 (77.1%)
women would recommend aromatherapy to other pregnant women.
Outcome
Aromatherapy as a non-pharmacological pain relief method is valuable for labour pain relief. As a novice in aromatherapy,
there is a long way ahead. Meanwhile, there are still some limitations in the programme. After reviewing available evidence
and consulting an expert aromatherapist who is the principal of a local College of Professional Aromatherapy, we started with
a limited choices of essential oils including Neroli (Citrus aurantium var. amara), Sweet Orange (Citrus aurantium var.sinesis),
and Bergamot (Citrus bergamia). Moreover, we use the inhalation method only.

In future, to enhance the effect, more varieties of essential oils and methods in use could be considered. Of course, more
training, especially on the effects and safety precautions on various essential oils should be conducted to all staff members
Wednesday, 17 May
beforehand.

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