Benefits of Complementary Therapies During Pregnancy, Childbirth and Postpartum Period: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Background/Objectives: The current trend in maternal health is to foster more natural and less medicalized therapies, with increasing interest in complementary therapies. This study has analyzed the benefits of complementary therapies during pregnancy, delivery and the postpartum period. Methods: A paired systematic review was carried out (PROSPERO: CRD42024543981). The following databases were consulted: PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science and CINAHL. Inclusion criteria were randomized clinical trials about complementary therapies in women during pregnancy, delivery and/or the postpartum period. The risk of bias of the clinical trials was evaluated using the revised Cochrane Risk of Bias tool for randomized trials version 2 (RoB-2). Results: A total of 1684 studies were found, with a final selection of 17. The most studied symptom was pain. Hydrotherapy, perinatal Swiss ball exercises, acupressure, virtual reality and foot reflexology provided a significant reduction in pain during labor. Similarly, aromatherapy, electroacupuncture and massage have shown significant benefits in pain management after Cesarean. Yoga, when practiced during pregnancy, effectively reduces anxiety and depression, with similar benefits observed when practiced during the postpartum period. Conclusions: Complementary therapies improve pain, anxiety and depression management across maternal health phases.