Effects of Mint-Flavored Chewing Gum on Childbirth

Objective: Managing pain and anxiety during childbirth is important for the health of the mother and baby, as well as for the positive birth experience. Midwives support women in coping with pain and anxiety during the birth process by utilizing non-pharmacological methods. The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of chewing mint gum during labor on the birth pain and state anxiety levels of primiparous pregnant women.

Materials and Methods: The research was conducted in a randomized controlled experimental design. The sample of the study consisted of 106 primiparous pregnant women who were in the process of labor and met the inclusion criteria of the study. The participants were divided into two groups: 53 in the intervention group and 53 in the control group. Pregnant women in the intervention group were made to chew mint-flavored sugar-free gum for at least 20 minutes during labor, while routine midwifery care was applied to pregnant women in the control group. In both groups, birth pain and state anxiety levels were evaluated. The measurements were taken during the 4-5 cm, 6-7 cm, and 8-9 cm cervical dilatation periods of labor.

Inclusion criteria

• being over the age of 18 and primiparous, There is no risk for vaginal birth, Without communication problems, Pregnant women without systemic or chronic diseases, Pregnant women with cervical dilatation of 4 cm or more, 37. The pregnancy is at term and a singleton pregnancy. Pregnant women who can chew gum without a history of dental, maxillofacial surgery, or dental disease will be included in the study.

Exclusion criteria

• Pregnant women who do not like chewing gum, Pregnant women with mental and auditory health problems, Pregnant women with mint allergies, Pregnant women with dental or jaw problems, High-risk pregnancies will not be included in the study.