The Effect of Maternal Relaxation by Benson Technique on Neonate’s Umbilical Arterial Blood Gases

Abstract

Background: Performing Benson relaxation technique by the mother improves the labor and affects neonate. This research investigated the effect of Benson relaxation technique for mothers on infant’s umbilical arterial blood gases. Methods: In this randomized clinical trial study, 60 eligible pregnant women were selected through convenient sampling, and randomly assigned to experimental and control groups. Data collection instruments were mother’s demographic information form and neonatal information form. Benson relaxation technique were instructed to the experimental group using videos and slide presentations, and after admitting to hospital, they were encouraged to implement the noted technique. Benson relaxation technique will not be instructed to the control group. After delivery, umbilical cord of neonate was clamped at two sites, and 0.5 ml of umbilical arterial blood was collected by a trained nurse in a syringe containing heparin (< 0.1 ml), kept in an icebox, and sent to the laboratory for testing partial pressure of oxygen (PO2) and carbon dioxide (PCO2). Statistical analysis were performed using SPSS software. Findings: There was a statistically significant difference in terms of mean oxygen (P < 0.001) and carbon dioxide (P < 0.001) pressure in the umbilical artery between the control and intervention groups; the markers of the umbilical arteries of the neonate were improved in intervention group. Conclusion: Using Benson’s relaxation technique by mothers improves neonate’s arterial blood gases; and can be recommended to the healthcare system as an effective method to improve neonatal outcomes.

Keywords

• relaxation
• blood gas analysis
• umbilical cord
• mothers
• neonates