Lamaze breathing techniques for Laboure pain management and labour duration in primigravida mothers:A comprehensive review

Abstract

Labour pain is one of the most intense forms of pain experienced during childbirth and is often accompanied by anxiety, fear, and physiological stress, particularly among primigravida mothers. These factors may prolong labour, increase maternal discomfort, and contribute to the need for pharmacological analgesia or operative interventions. Lamaze breathing techniques have emerged as an effective non-pharmacological approach that combines rhythmic breathing, relaxation, and focused concentration to help women cope with labour pain while promoting physiological labour progression. This review aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of Lamaze breathing techniques in reducing labour pain perception and shortening the duration of labour among primigravida mothers. The review synthesized evidence from randomized controlled trials, quasi-experimental studies, systematic reviews, and other relevant literature published between 2016 and 2026. The findings consistently indicate that Lamaze breathing techniques significantly reduce labour pain intensity, decrease maternal anxiety, improve pain tolerance, enhance maternal oxygenation, and facilitate effective uterine contractions. Women who received structured antenatal Lamaze training reported lower pain scores, reduced dependence on pharmacological analgesia, shorter first-stage labour duration, and greater childbirth satisfaction than those receiving routine care. Furthermore, the technique promotes maternal confidence, self-efficacy, and active participation during labour without causing adverse maternal or neonatal effects. As a safe, cost-effective, and easily implementable intervention, Lamaze breathing can be incorporated into routine antenatal education programs to improve maternal and labour outcomes, particularly in low-resource settings. However, further large-scale multicentre randomized controlled trials using standardized intervention protocols are recommended to strengthen the evidence and support broader clinical implementation.