Evaluating the effects of Dill (Anethum graveolens) seed on the duration of active phase and intensity of labour pain

IntroductionPregnant women in traditional cultures often use herbal medicines to facilitate childbirth and reduce labour pain. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of Dill seed on duration of the active phase and intensity of labour pain in parturient women.Materials and methodsThis retrospective cohort study evaluated the effects of Dill seed on duration of active phase and intensity of labour pain in 85 parturient women who consumed a tea made from Dill seed (case group) and 85 parturient women who consumed no medicines during labour (control group). Data collection instruments were a questionnaire, data recording sheet, Sonny Kidd and Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). All statistical analyses were performed by SPSS 16.ResultsThe results showed that in the first stage of labour pain the average duration of active phase in the case group was 4.21 ± 2.6 h compared with 6.01 ± 3.4 h in the control group (p = 0.001). The comparison of pain intensity in the two groups was not statistically significant (p > 0.05), but progress of labour in the case group was more than the control group (p = 0.001).ConclusionThis study showed that a tea made from Dill seed can be used in the initial stages of labour without any side effects on mother and foetus to reduce labour pain.