Susilawati Bakri; Sulistiyah Sulistiyah
Hyperemesis gravidarum is a common complication in early pregnancy characterized by excessive nausea and vomiting that can negatively affect maternal health and quality of life. Although pharmacological management is widely used, concerns regarding medication safety during pregnancy have increased interest in complementary and non-pharmacological interventions. One such approach is aromatherapy, particularly the use of lavender essential oil, which is known for its calming and antiemetic properties. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of lavender aromatherapy in reducing the frequency of hyperemesis gravidarum among pregnant women at RSUD Tikep. This research employed a quantitative quasi-experimental design with a pretest–posttest approach. A total of 30 first-trimester pregnant women experiencing hyperemesis gravidarum were selected using purposive sampling. The intervention involved inhalation of lavender aromatherapy administered for a predetermined duration and frequency. The frequency of nausea and vomiting was measured before and after the intervention using observation sheets and self-reported records. Data were analyzed using SPSS software, including descriptive statistics, normality tests, and paired sample t-tests. The results demonstrated a significant reduction in the mean frequency of hyperemesis gravidarum following the administration of lavender aromatherapy. Statistical analysis revealed a p-value of less than 0.05, indicating a significant difference between pre-intervention and post-intervention measurements. These findings suggest that lavender aromatherapy effectively reduces the frequency of nausea and vomiting in pregnant women. In conclusion, lavender aromatherapy is a safe, low-cost, and effective complementary therapy for managing hyperemesis gravidarum. Its integration into routine antenatal care may enhance maternal comfort and support holistic, patient-centered maternity services, particularly in regional healthcare settings.