Trials

Participants

Intervention

Comparison

Main outcome

Study design

Risk of bias

Burns et al.

[8]

513 women with a singleton pregnancy

The experimental group received aromatherapy.

Modes of application included acupressure points, tapercompress, footbath, massage or birthing pool.

The control group received usual care.

Pain intensity (only aromatherapy group), assisted vaginal birth, caesarean section, use of pharmacological pain reliefspontaneous vaginal delivery, length of labouraugmentation, and perineal trauma.

RCTParallel

Y,Y,N,N,Y

Calvert et al.

[9]

22 multiparous women with a singleton pregnancy. Women were recruited during the antenatal period

The experimental group received essential oil of ginger for the bath at least 1 hour.

The control group received essential oil of lemon grass for the bath at least 1 hour.

Pain intensity (only aromatherapy group)assisted vaginal birthcaesarean section, use of pharmacological pain reliefspontaneous vaginal delivery, length of first and second stage of labour, frequency of contractions, and cervical dilatation.

RCT, double-blind

Y,Y,Y,Y,Y

Vakilian &

Keramat

[10]

120 primiparous women planning a vaginal delivery

Essential oil of lavender with breathing technique via nebuliser during contractions in the active phase of labour

Breathing techniques without aromatherapy

Duration of the first phase and the second stage of labour.

RCT, single blinded

Y,Y,N,N,Y

Zahra & Leila

[11]

60 primiparous women planning a normal delivery

Aromatherapy massage with Lavender oil

Receiving massage only

Pain, duration of the first phase and the second & third stages of labour.

RCT

Y,Y,N,N,Y