EFFECTIVENESS OF RHYTHMIC BREATHING EXERCISE ON PAIN &
COPING AMONG PRIMIGRAVIDA WOMEN DURING FIRST STAGE OF
LABOUR AT SELECTED HOSPITAL

Ms. Swati Ajayan,
Page No. 77-81

“Childbirth is a time when a woman's power and strength emerge full force, but it is also a
vulnerable time, and a time of many challenges presenting opportunities for to assess her courage.”
Childbirth can be a unique and exciting time for a woman, although labour is often described as an
intensely painful experience. Childbirth pain is a natural phenomenon that occurs due to subjective,
multidimensional responses to sensory stimuli during labour and delivery Lowe (2002). Studies
have revealed that that there are a number of non-pharmacological methods which can help a
woman to relax during contractions. Breathing techniques, such as rhythmic breathing, can centre
birthing women and focus their mental state. A pregnant woman who breathes properly, in a pattern
or rhythm during her labour, benefits both herself and her baby.This is because a patterned
breathing helps in providing the baby as well as the mother the right amount of oxygen. Secondly,
with the right breathing, the mother is better equipped to cope with the pain that contractions bring
about. The theory behind childbirth breathing patterns is based on the concentration required to
focus on your breathing. During a contraction, your thought process is redirected from a pain
response such as tension and breath holding to a learned relaxed breathing response.
Keywords : Primigravida ,Rhythmic breathing exercise, Pain , Coping , First stage of labour