Lavender and Lemongrass Aromatherapy for Pain and Anxiety in Labor: A Randomized Trial

Summary

Introduction: Pain experienced during labor is considered one of the main determinants of women's subjective experience throughout this physiological process. In parallel, anxiety is understood as an emotional response triggered by the unpredictability of childbirth, the perception of pain, and concerns regarding fetal well-being. In this context, aromatherapy, classified as a Complementary and Integrative Health Practice (CIHP), is based on the therapeutic use of essential oils (EOs), aiming to promote individuals' physical and emotional well-being. Despite growing interest in incorporating such practices into obstetric care, there remains a significant gap in robust scientific evidence regarding the effectiveness and safety of aromatherapy during labor. Objectives: To evaluate the effect of aromatherapy using essential oils of lavender (Lavandula angustifolia Mill.) and lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus \[DC.\] Stapf) in reducing pain and anxiety in women during active labor. Method: This is a randomized, controlled, triple-blind, longitudinal, and prospective clinical trial to be conducted at a public maternity hospital in São Paulo. The sample will consist of parturients aged between 18 and 40 years, with full-term pregnancies, no comorbidities, and no contraindications for the use of essential oils. Participants will be randomly assigned to two groups: inhalation via an aromatic necklace containing lavender and lemongrass essential oils (Experimental Group - EG), or inhalation of a placebo substance with no therapeutic potential (Control Group - CG). Validated instruments will be used to assess the primary outcomes: the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for measuring pain intensity and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) for evaluating anxiety levels during the active phase of labor, defined as a cervical dilation greater than five centimeters and at least two effective contractions within ten minutes. Data will be analyzed using statistical methods, with a significant level of 0.05 and a 95% confidence interval. The analysis will include descriptive, exploratory, and inferential procedures, applying both parametric and non-parametric statistical tests as appropriate. Expected results: It is expected that laboring women exposed to aromatherapy with lavender and lemongrass will report lower pain intensity and reduced anxiety levels compared to the control group. It is believed that the use of aromatherapy during labor may promote the physical and emotional well-being of pregnant women, support the physiological progression of labor, and enhance maternal satisfaction with the therapeutic approach, without the occurrence of adverse events.

Conditions

• Labor Pain and Anxiety

Interventions

BEHAVIORAL

Lavender and Lemongrass Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy will be administered using a combination of lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) and lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) essential oils. The essential oils will be applied to an absorbent material placed inside a personal necklace device, allowing continuous inhalation throughout labor. The intervention will be initiated during the active phase of labor and maintained according to the study protocol. The concentration and volume of essential oils will be standardized for all participants.

BEHAVIORAL

Placebo (Sweet Almond Oil)

The placebo intervention will consist of sweet almond oil applied to an absorbent material placed inside a personal necklace device, allowing continuous inhalation throughout labor. The placebo has a characteristic odor but no known therapeutic effect on pain or anxiety. The procedure, timing, and conditions of administration will be identical to those of the intervention group.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• University of Sao Paulo

  lead OTHER

Study Design

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

TREATMENT

Masking

QUADRUPLE

Model

PARALLEL

Eligibility

Min Age

18 Years

Max Age

40 Years

Sex

FEMALE

Healthy Volunteers

No

Timeline & Regulatory

Start

2026-03-02

Primary Completion

2026-07-31

Completion

2027-06-22

Countries

• Brazil

Study Locations