EFFECTIVENESS OF COMPLEMENTARY THERAPIES ON PHYSICAL  PSYCHOLOGICAL HEALTH IN PREGNANCY:LITERATURE REVIEW

Seppe Nola  Manik; Mesrida Simarmata; Dinda Grace Sinta  Sitorus; Yca  Dania

Authors

Seppe Nola Manik Sekolah Tinggi Ilmu Kesehatan Mitra Husada Medan
Mesrida Simarmata Sekolah Tinggi Ilmu Kesehatan Mitra Husada Medan
Dinda Grace Sinta Sitorus Sekolah Tinggi Ilmu Kesehatan Mitra Husada Medan
Yca Dania Sekolah Tinggi Ilmu Kesehatan Mitra Husada Medan

Keywords:

complementary therapy, pregnancy, prenatal yoga, aromatherapy, acupressure

Abstract

Pregnancy is a normal physiological process characterized by significant physical, hormonal, and psychological changes that may affect maternal comfort and overall well-being. During pregnancy, women commonly experience nausea and vomiting, low back pain, sleep disturbances, fatigue, stress, and anxiety. If not properly managed, these conditions may reduce quality of life and potentially impact pregnancy outcomes. In response to the need for holistic maternity care, complementary therapy has emerged as an important non-pharmacological approach to support maternal health. These interventions are generally considered safe, cost-effective, and easy to apply, with the potential to reduce reliance on pharmacological treatments during pregnancy.This literature review aimed to synthesize recent evidence on the effectiveness of complementary therapies in improving physical and psychological health outcomes among pregnant women. A systematic search was conducted in PubMed, ScienceDirect, Google Scholar, and other scientific databases for studies published between 2021 and 2025. Keywords included complementary therapy, pregnancy, prenatal yoga, aromatherapy, acupressure, maternal anxiety, low back pain, and emesis gravidarum. After applying inclusion and exclusion criteria, 20 articles were selected for analysis, consisting of randomized controlled trials, quasi-experimental studies, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses.The results show that complementary therapies provide consistent positive effects on maternal health outcomes. Prenatal yoga was frequently reported to reduce anxiety, stress, and depressive symptoms while improving relaxation, emotional stability, and sleep quality. Aromatherapy using essential oils such as lavender, peppermint, ginger, and lemon was effective in reducing nausea, vomiting, sleep disturbances, and anxiety. Acupressure also demonstrated benefits in reducing low back pain and decreasing the severity of emesis gravidarum through stimulation of specific pressure points that promote physiological relaxation. Overall, these interventions were described as safe, practical, and feasible for integration into routine antenatal care services.In conclusion, complementary therapies such as prenatal yoga, aromatherapy, and acupressure are effective in improving both physical and psychological health among pregnant women. Integrating evidence-based complementary approaches into antenatal care can provide a more holistic, patient-centered model of maternity care. This integration enhances symptom management, supports maternal well-being, and contributes to a more positive pregnancy experience.

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