PHYTOTHERAPEUTIC BENEFITS OF ESSENTIAL OILS FOR ANALGESIA DURING NATURAL CHILDBIRTH

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Pain during labor is an important challenge in obstetric care, encouraging the search for non-pharmacological strategies that promote comfort and well-being for women in labor. In this context, aromatherapy with essential oils is presented as a complementary practice that may assist in managing pain and anxiety. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the scientific evidence on the benefits of aromatherapy with essential oils for pain relief during natural childbirth. METHOD: An integrative literature review was conducted, with searches in the Virtual Health Library (VHL), including BDENF, LILACS, and MEDLINE, as well as PubMed and SciELO. Original articles available in full text and free of charge, published in Portuguese and English, were included according to the established criteria. After applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria, four studies were included in the final analysis. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: The findings indicated that aromatherapy has potential for pain relief during labor and is also associated with reduced anxiety, relaxation, comfort, and well-being among women in labor. CONCLUSION: Aromatherapy may constitute a complementary strategy in obstetric care, contributing to more humanized, individualized, and woman-centered care. However, further research is needed to expand the evidence regarding the efficacy, safety, and methods of using different essential oils.