The Effect of Aromatherapy Using Lavendar on Nausea, Vomiting, and Anxiety during Pregnancy: A Quasi Experimental Study

Background & aim: The treatment of nausea and vomiting in pregnancy (NVP) includes both pharmacological and non-pharmacological approaches. There is evidence of adverse effects of medications during pregnancy, however, results confirming the effectiveness of non-pharmacological methods such as aromatherapy has remained inconclusive. So, this study aimed to determine the effect of lavender aromatherapy on nausea, vomiting, and anxiety during pregnancy. Methods: This non-randomized, single-blind, two-group quasi-experimental study included pregnant women (n=66) with a gestational age of 6-16 weeks. To select the participants, convenience sampling was used and study was conducted in one teaching hospital in Tehran, Iran. Eligible participants were assigned to either the lavender (intervention) or seasame oil (placebo) group every other day during the recruitment period. The intervention group inhaled four drops of 10% lavender oil twice daily for 7 days. Participants completed the Rhodes Index of Nausea, Vomiting, and Retching (RINVR) every night before sleeping for seven days. Additionally, state anxiety was measured both before, and on completion of day 7 of the intervention period using the state anxiety scale. Results: The overall mean of RINVR scores (6.91±3.58 and 9.58±4.31, P=0.008), and state anxiety scores (36.21±5.68 and 40.27±7.02, P=0.012) were lower in the lavender group than those of the placebo group. The severity of state anxiety (P=0.027 and NVP P=0.032) in the lavender group were lower compared to placebo group. Conclusion: Care providers could promote the use of lavender aromatherapy during pregnancy for the amelioration of NVP and anxiety.