Results discussion
One of the methods for relieving labor pain is utilization of heat or cold. Results of the present study denoted that
hot and ice packs applications could significantly reduce labor pain. Pain relief with ice application could be due
to many mechanisms including inhibition of nociceptors, a reduction in muscle spasm and/or a reduction in
metabolic enzyme activity level or via the analgesic descending pathway of the central nervous system such as
endorphins (Airaksinen, etal. 2003; Arendt‐Nielsen & Sumikura, 2002). On the other hand, increasing the
temperature of the skin/soft tissue lead to improve blood flow. The effect of heat on pain is mediated by heat
sensitive calcium channels. Heat generates action potentials that increases stimulation of sensory nerves and
causes the feeling of heat in the brain. Once calcium channels activated, they can inhibit the activity of pain
receptors (Holowatz, etal. 2005).