Alternative Method: Chewing Gum in Labor

This study is a clinical trial. It aimed to examine the effects of chewing gum on pain, anxiety, fatigue, and thirst in pregnant women (47 experiments; 47 controls) in the first stage of labor. Criteria for inclusion in the study: Pregnant women who gave birth vaginally; voluntarily accept to participate in the research. Exclusion criteria from the study: Pregnant women who have auditory or mental health problems; whose baby dies during labor, who with cervical dilatation of 5 cm or more, who receiving epidural anesthesia, do not like chewing gum, have difficulty chewing, such as weak/loose-fitting dentures. The pain, anxiety, fatigue, and thirst levels of the pregnant women in the control group were evaluated with scales every two hours until their dilatation reached 5 cm. Pregnant women in the experimental group chewed gum and their pain, anxiety, fatigue and thirst levels were evaluated with scales every two hours until their dilation reached 5 cm. The main questions it aims to answer are: * Chewing gum during labor is not effective in reducing pain, anxiety, fatigue, and thirst levels. * Chewing gum during labor; It is effective in reducing the level of pain. * Chewing gum during labor; It is effective in reducing anxiety. * Chewing gum during labor; It is effective in reducing thirst. * Chewing gum during labor; It is effective in reducing fatigue. Routine medical treatment of pregnant women continued all groups. Only pregnant women who in the experimental group chewed gum also.

Objective: In this study, it was aimed to examine the effects of chewing gum on pain, anxiety, fatigue and thirst in pregnant women in the first stage of normal labor. Methods: The study was conducted in a randomized controlled experimental manner. The universe consisted of all pregnant women who applied to the delivery room of a public institution between April and November 2022. Power analysis was used to determine the sample. 94 pregnant women (47 experiments;47 controls) were included in the study. The study was started after the approval of the ethics committee and the institution. As a data collection tool in the research;"Personal Information Form","Gum Chewing Follow-up Form" and "Pregnant Follow-up Form" were used.