Beyond Medication: A Holistic Review of Complementary Therapies in Labor outcomes - A Ten-year Review

Background: The increasing demand for woman-centered and non-pharmacological approaches to labor has led to a growing interest in complementary therapies. These therapies are considered holistic, low-risk, and supportive of natural birth experiences. Objective: To critically review and synthesize evidence from the past decade on the effectiveness, safety, and applicability of complementary therapies used during labor. Methods: This narrative review examined studies published between 2015 and 2025 from major databases such as PubMed, Scopus, CINAHL, and Cochrane Library. A total of 20 peer-reviewed studies involving various complementary therapies—including massage, aromatherapy, acupressure, yoga, hydrotherapy, hypnobirthing, and music therapy—were analyzed for their impact on labor pain, anxiety, labor duration, and maternal satisfaction. Results: The majority of studies reported significant reductions in labor pain and anxiety, increased maternal satisfaction, and in some cases, shorter labor durations. Therapies like SP6 acupressure, lavender aromatherapy, and prenatal yoga showed particularly consistent benefits. However, methodological limitations such as small sample sizes, heterogeneity in intervention protocols, and lack of long-term follow-up were noted. Cultural variations also influenced therapy selection and outcomes. Conclusion: Complementary therapies offer promising, non-invasive options for enhancing the quality of labor and birth experiences. When tailored to individual preferences and supported by trained maternity care providers, these therapies can be safely integrated into routine obstetric care. Future research should focus on large-scale randomized trials and standardized protocols to strengthen evidence and inform clinical guidelines.