SCIENTIFIC PROFILE OF INTERNATIONAL PUBLICATIONS ON NONPHARMACOLOGICAL PAIN MANAGEMENT IN LABOUR: A BIBLIOMETRIC ANALYSIS (2000-2025)

This study aims to bibliometrically analyse international scientific publications on nonpharmacological pain management in childbirth. Data were collected between 10-20 April 2025 using the Web of Science database on articles published between 2000 and 2025. In the study, the data were analysed based on bibliometric criteria such as distribution by publication year, most prolific authors, most cited journals, countries and keyword relationships. The search yielded a total of 627 publications using the keywords 'nonpharmacological pain management', 'labour pain management', 'natural pain relief during childbirth', 'water birth', 'aromatherapy in labour' and 'breathing techniques during labour'. The publications clearly increased over the years, with a significant surge in scientific output, averaging 25.9 citations, peaking at 67 publications in 2022 and 1973 citations in 2024. The United States of America dominated, producing the most publications, and Carolina Smith stood out as the researcher who published the most. The University of California system was the most prolific institution in this field. The results of the study are a vital resource for researchers in midwifery and obstetrics, providing a scientific foundation for enhancing practices in women's health and obstetrics services. This study clearly indicates the necessity for additional research on pain management in childbirth and underlines the significance of international collaborations in this area.