Can a massage with essential oils make childbirth less painful and scary?

NCT ID NCT07652957

First seen Jun 24, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study tested whether Swedish massage with lavender or chamomile oils can help reduce pain, fear, and anxiety during labor. 90 pregnant women were split into three groups: one got massage with chamomile oil, one with lavender oil, and one with plain carrier oil. Researchers measured pain, anxiety, and fear levels at different stages of labor to see if the oils made a difference.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance

Swedish massage with natural oils (lavender, chamomile, or carrier oil)

What this could lead to

If effective, this could offer a simple, drug-free way to reduce pain and anxiety during childbirth.

What could go wrong

This is a small, completed study with 90 participants, so results may not apply to all women. The effects of the oils may be subtle and hard to separate from the massage itself.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

agnosia anxiety anxiety disorder Pain

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • Antalya City Hospital

    Antalya, Center, 06000, Turkey (Türkiye)

  • Antalya City Hospital

    Antalya, Center, 43000, Turkey (Türkiye)