Breathing Techniques During Labor

A Multinational Narrative Review of Efficacy

Heim, Maria Augusta Msc
Makuch, Maria Yolanda PhD

MARIA A. HEIM, psychotherapist, Master in Science and PhD candidate at the Post Graduate Program, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, State University of Campinas, Brazil.

MARIA Y. MAKUCH, Clinical Psychologist, Master and PhD in Mental Health, Participating Professor at the Post Graduate Program, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, State University of Campinas, Brazil.

The Journal of Perinatal Education 32(1):p 23-34, January 01, 2023. | DOI: 10.1891/JPE-2021-0029

We conducted a narrative review to assess the use and effectiveness of breathing techniques for pain control as the only non-pharmacological resource during labor and childbirth. A search was conducted using PubMed, PEDro, SciELO, and Scopus with publications between January 2005 and September 2021 in English, Portuguese, or Spanish. Seven publications were selected. Most of the articles reported on the use of slow and deep breathing during contractions in the first stage of labor and breathing associated with pushing-down efforts in the second stage. The information regarding the moment when guidance on the use of the techniques was provided varied across studies. According to the reviewed papers, breathing techniques offer benefits for women in labor without adverse effects on newborns.