A simple mint gum could take the edge off labor pain
NCT ID NCT07801196
First seen Sep 03, 2026 · Last updated Sep 04, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
Researchers are testing whether chewing mint-flavored sugar-free gum during childbirth can reduce pain and anxiety in first-time mothers. The trial includes 106 pregnant women at term with no complications, who will chew the gum for at least 20 minutes at different stages of labor. Pain and anxiety levels are measured at each stage using standard scales. This study explores a non-drug method that women could use to feel more in control during delivery.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- Mint-flavored sugar-free chewing gum
- What this could lead to
- If it works, chewing mint gum during labor could offer a simple, drug-free way to help women manage pain and anxiety while giving birth.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small, early-stage trial, and the effect may be modest or due to the distraction of chewing rather than the mint itself. Results may not apply to all women in labor.
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Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
-
Not a phased trial
Phase numbers describe drug development. The registry uses this when they do not apply, as it does for trials of devices, procedures or behaviour changes, and for observational studies.
- Participants
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106 people
The number who actually took part.
- Started
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Oct 2025
- Finished
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Feb 2026
- Lead sponsor
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Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
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18 years and older
- Sex
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Female participants only
- Healthy volunteers
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Accepted
You do not need to have the condition being studied to take part.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: * being over the age of 18 and primiparous, There is no risk for vaginal birth, Without communication problems, Pregnant women without systemic or chronic diseases, Pregnant women with cervical dilatation of 4 cm or more, 37. The pregnancy is at term and a singleton pregnancy. Pregnant women who can chew gum without a history of dental, maxillofacial surgery, or dental disease will be included in the study. Exclusion Criteria: * Pregnant women who do not like chewing gum, Pregnant women with mental and auditory health problems, Pregnant women with mint allergies, Pregnant women with dental or jaw problems, High-risk pregnancies will not be included in the study.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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Uskudar University Faculty of Health Sciences
Istanbul, Turkey (Türkiye)
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