Aromatherapy and Massage After Cesarean Delivery: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Summary

Cesarean delivery is a common surgical procedure associated with postoperative pain, anxiety, and reduced maternal comfort during the early postpartum period. Non-pharmacological interventions such as aromatherapy and massage have been suggested as supportive approaches for improving maternal well-being; however, further evidence is needed regarding their effectiveness after cesarean delivery.

This randomized controlled trial aims to evaluate the effects of aromatherapy inhalation and aromatherapy-assisted back massage on postoperative pain, anxiety, and postpartum comfort in women after cesarean delivery.

Participants who meet the eligibility criteria will be randomly assigned to three groups: an aromatherapy inhalation group, an aromatherapy-assisted back massage group, and a placebo group receiving sterile water inhalation as a simulation. Interventions will be initiated after cesarean delivery, and outcomes will be assessed using the Visual Analog Scale for pain intensity, the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory for anxiety level, and the Postpartum Comfort Scale for comfort level.

This study is expected to provide information about the potential contribution of complementary non-pharmacological interventions to maternal recovery after cesarean delivery.

Conditions

• Postoperative Pain, Anxiety, and Postpartum Comfort After Cesarean Delivery

Interventions

BEHAVIORAL

Aromatherapy Inhalation

Participants will receive aromatherapy inhalation using Rosa damascena essential oil beginning at the 6th postoperative hour after cesarean delivery. For each session, 2 drops of Rosa damascena essential oil will be applied to a sterile gauze and held approximately 10 cm from the participant's nose. Participants will breathe normally during the inhalation period. The intervention will be performed at 6, 18, 30, and 42 hours after surgery, with each session lasting 10 minutes.

BEHAVIORAL

Aromatherapy-Assisted Back Massage

Participants will receive aromatherapy-assisted back massage beginning at the 6th postoperative hour after cesarean delivery. The massage will be applied to the upper and lower back regions using Rosa damascena essential oil diluted to 3% with sweet almond carrier oil. The intervention will be performed at 6, 18, 30, and 42 hours after surgery according to the study protocol. Participants will be positioned in a comfortable lateral or sitting position during the massage application.

BEHAVIORAL

placebo inhalation

Participants will receive placebo inhalation using sterile water as a simulation of aromatherapy. The intervention will begin at the 6th postoperative hour after cesarean delivery and will be administered at 6, 18, 30, and 42 hours after surgery. Each session will follow the same procedure and duration as the aromatherapy inhalation group according to the study protocol.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Uşak University

  lead OTHER

Study Design

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

SUPPORTIVE_CARE

Masking

SINGLE

Model

PARALLEL

Eligibility

Min Age

18 Years

Max Age

40 Years

Sex

FEMALE

Healthy Volunteers

No

Timeline & Regulatory

Start

2026-02-23

Primary Completion

2026-07-31

Completion

2026-07-31

Countries

• Turkey (Türkiye)

Study Locations