Effectiveness of Back Massage versus Ambulation During First Stage of Labour among Primigravida Mothers in Terms of Pain and Anxiety

An experimental study to evaluate the effectiveness of back massage versus ambulation during first stage of labour among primigravida mothers in terms of pain and anxiety, an experimental research approach with pretest post test control group design was undertaken on 90 primigravida mothers (30 in each experimental group1, experimental group 2 and control group). Purposive sampling technique was used to select the primigravida mothers. There was a significant difference in mean pre-test and post-test labour pain scores and anxiety scores during first stage of labour among primigravida mothers. There was a positive relationship between pain and anxiety: as pain increases anxiety also increases and vice versa. It was concluded that back massage and ambulation was effective to reduce the level of labour pain and anxiety among primigravida mother during first stage of labour.