Effect of Utilizing Perineal Massage, Warm Compresses and Hands on Techniques during the Second Stage of Labor on Perineal Outcomes

Background: Maternal morbidity is one of the most common consequences of perineal tear associated with vaginal birth. Thus, prevention of perineal tear becomes an urgent need. The aim of this study: was to evaluate the effect of utilizing perineal massage, warm compresses and hands on techniques during the second stage of labor on perineal outcomes. Subjects and Method: A convenient sample of (120 parturient women) were selected from labor and delivery units in obstetrics departments at Tanta university and El-Menshawy hospitals and were divided into four groups (three study groups and one control group). Four tools were used for data collection; Tool I, Structured interview schedule; it included two parts. Part 1: Socio- demographic characteristics. Part 2: Reproductive history. Tool II: Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). Tool III: A modified Behavioral Pain Scale (BPS). Tool IV: Assessment of second stage and perineal outcomes. Results: The results of the present study revealed that perineal pain intensity and associated behavioral responses as well as perineal tear had significantly reduced among women to whom lubricated massage, warm compresses and hands on techniques were applied compared to the control group. Conclusion and recommendations: it can be concluded that the use of perineal supportive techniques were effective in improving perineal outcomes which was highly significant among lubricated perineal massage group. So, in-service training programs should be implemented for maternity nurses regarding the applications and benefits of perineal lubricated massage, warm compresses and hands on techniques during the second stage of labor to improve perineal outcomes.
Keyword: Warm