The effect of prenatal yoga and reflexology in reducing labor duration and perceived pain; a systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract Background Yoga and Reflexology is a non-pharmacological pain relief method, the effects of which remain unclear on obstetric interventions. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to assess the effect of yoga and reflexology on the length of labor and its pain. Methods In this review, PubMed, Medline, Scopus, Cochrane, PsycINFO, and Google scholar databases were searched from inception till April 22, 2024. The protocol registry number (ID: CRD 42022362769) assigned. English-language of studies in randomized controlled trials (RCTs were included in the review. The Cochrane risk of bias tool was used to assess the risk of bias. Two independent reviewers extracted data and assessed the quality of the trials. Using Rev Man 5.4 software, the results were presented in form of forest plots. Results Ten studies including 1,253 pregnant women were included for meta-analysis. Prenatal yoga and reflexology interventions has significant effect in reducing labor duration at fist stage (SMD: −0.43; 95% CI: −0.74, −0.13; I2 = 77%), second stage (SMD: −0.34; 95% CI: −0.53, −0.15; I2 = 21%) and third stage (SMD: −1.05; 95% CI: −1.34, −0.76; I2 = 0%, P = 0.0001). Moreover, the labor pain perceived in the active phase was found to be significantly reduced in the intervention group (SMD: −1.56; 95% CI: −2.78, −0.34; P = 0.0001). Conclusion The review has demonstrated that yoga and reflexology is a non-invasive health exercises during prenatal period which is useful in reducing labor pain and its length at each stage of labor. Therefore, through applying this technique, a goal of midwifery, which is reducing labor pain and its length, can be achieved. It also may enable moms to fully enjoy their pregnancy and delivery.