effect of progressive muscle relaxation technique on pain relief during labor

labor pain is a cause of stress and suffering; for which many women seek methods to relieve this pain. the aim of this study was to determine the effect of relaxation techniques on pain relief during labor. this study was carried out on 62 pregnant women referred to fatemieh hospital (hamadan, iran) during their labor. they were selected using convenience sampling and were divided randomly in two groups. the first group (control) received routine way of ward during their labor and the second group (test) went through the relaxation technique after training. the intensity of pain was determined using a standard pain number rating scale, and the behavioral reactions were recorded using an observational checklist. the statistical analysis of data showed significant difference in intensity of pain between the two groups (p = 0.0001). also there was a significant difference in behavioral reactions between the two groups (p < 0.0001). since the relaxation technique is easy to perform and without any risk and also has low expenses it is recommended for pain relief during labor.