# The Effect of Chewing Gum on Anxiety and Labor Pain: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis

## TL;DR

This study finds that chewing gum during labor may reduce pain and anxiety for women, potentially shortening labor duration.

## Contribution

The study provides a systematic review and meta-analysis showing chewing gum's potential as a nonpharmacological intervention for labor pain and anxiety.

## Key findings

- Chewing gum significantly reduced pain during active and transition phases of labor.
- Anxiety scores were also reduced in women who chewed gum during labor.
- The study suggests chewing gum may shorten labor duration.

## Abstract

Childbirth as a physiological phenomenon is painful. Fear and anxiety about labor pain increase the likelihood of women choosing cesarean delivery. Nonpharmacological interventions may enhance maternal comfort during labor. This study investigated the effect of chewing gum on anxiety and labor pain.

Studies from 2000 to 2024 were identified through searches of Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, and Embase, with no restrictions on language or geographical location. Meta‐analysis using Stata v17 employed a random‐effects model to calculate standardized mean differences (SMD) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Heterogeneity was evaluated using the I
2 statistic.

An analysis of five trials (326 women, high to low quality, varying inclusion criteria) showed that chewing gum for 20 min in active and second phases significantly reduced pain and anxiety. Pain scores were lower in the gum‐chewing group during the active (SMD: −1.23, 95% CI: −2.30 to −0.16, p < 0.00, I
2 = 93.97%) and transition phases (SMD: −1.63, 95% CI: −2.35 to −0.90, p = 0.00, I
2 = 85.17%) and anxiety scores were also reduced (SMD: −1.44, 95% CI: −1.03 to 3.92, p < 0.00, I
2 = 98.41% and SMD: −0.55, 95% CI: −0.79 to −0.30, p = 0.00, I
2 = 0.00%, respectively).

Chewing gum use may reduce labor pain and anxiety and shorten labor duration, according to this study. However, more rigorous research is necessary to confirm these findings.