The Effectiveness of Counterpressure Massage in Reducing Labor Pain Intensity among Childbearing Women

Background: Labor pain is a subjective experience reported by more than 90% of women during childbirth. If inadequately managed, labor pain may contribute to increased maternal anxiety, prolonged labor, and potential obstetric complications. Non-pharmacological pain management strategies, such as counterpressure massage, have gained attention as safe, cost-effective, and low-risk alternatives to pharmacological interventions.
Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of counterpressure massage in reducing labor pain intensity among childbearing women.
Methods: A quasi-experimental study with a pretest–posttest control group design was conducted among laboring women in the working area of Kuala Bhee Primary Health Center in March 2025. A total of 28 respondents were selected and divided into an experimental group (n = 14), who received counterpressure massage for 20 minutes, and a control group (n = 14), who were provided with deep breathing techniques. Data were analyzed using the Wilcoxon Signed-Rank Test and the Mann–Whitney U Test.
Results: The findings demonstrated a statistically significant reduction in labor pain intensity in the experimental group (p = 0.001), with the mean pain score decreasing to 3.21. In contrast, the control group did not show a significant reduction in pain intensity (p = 0.084), with a mean pain score of 5.64. Furthermore, the majority of participants in the experimental group experienced a reduction in pain to the mild category (57.1%) following the intervention.
Conclusion: Counterpressure massage was proven to be more effective than deep breathing techniques in reducing labor pain intensity. This method is recommended as a non-pharmacological intervention to be integrated into routine midwifery care for laboring women.