Context: Labor-related pain is a universal experience for parturient women. Several non-
pharmacological methods have been utilized to relieve this pain including counter-pressure and
effleurage massages. Aim: This study aimed to examine the effect of counter-pressure versus
effleurage massages on labor pain intensity among parturient women. Methods: A quasi-
experimental design (nonequivalent control group pretest/posttest) was adopted. A purposive
sample of 96 parturient women was recruited and allocated to either control, counter-pressure, or
effleurage massage group. This study was conducted at inpatient obstetrics and gynecology
department of Kafrelsheikh general hospital, Kafrelsheikh governorate, Egypt. Data were collected
using two tools: structured interviewing questionnaire schedule and Numeric Pain Rating Scale
(NPRS). Results: The mean pain scores at baseline assessment did not show a significant difference
between the control group and interventions groups (p>0.05). However, at 30 minutes, 1 hour, and 2
hours after intervention the differences in mean pain scores between the control group and
interventions groups were highly statistically significant (p < 0.001). When comparing mean pain
scores between counter-pressure and effleurage groups the differences were not statistically
significant either at baseline assessment or after intervention (p>0.05). Conclusion: counter-
pressure and effleurage massages are effective non-pharmacological measures in reducing labor
pain. Recommendation: Utilizing such simple and effective pain relief strategies by nurses and
midwives should be encouraged.