Effect of Perineal Massage and Warm Compresses Technique in Postpartum Perineal Pain. A Secondary Analysis from a Randomised Controlled Trial.

Abstract

Postpartum perineal pain can lead to failure to fulfill maternal role. Evaluate the effect of perineal massage and warm compresses technique versus hands-on technique during the second stage of labor on postpartum perineal pain. A single-centre, prospective, randomized controlled trial was conducted between March 1st, 2019, and December 31st, 2020, at Hospital of X. Women with 18 years or older, between 37 and 41 weeks pregnant, in whom a vaginal birth of a fetus in the cephalic presentation was planned were recruited. Of the 848 women recruited to randomised controlled trial to prevent perineal trauma, 800 fulfilled the inclusion criteria (perineal massage and warm compresses group, n = 400 and control group, n = 400), all were included in secondary analysis at 24 h and 498 women were included at 3 and 6 months after birth. In the perineal massage and warm compresses group, women received perineal massage and warm compresses and in the control group, women received hands-on technique. Application of Numerical Rating Scale at 24 h, 3 and 6 months after birth. Women in the perineal massage and warm compresses group reported lower perineal pain at 24 h, 3 and 6 months after birth, compared to hands-on technique group but the difference was not statistically significant between the groups. The occurrence of obstetric anal sphincter injury and episiotomy were the main determinants for perineal pain at 24 h, 3 and 6 months postpartum. The perineal massage and warm compresses technique was not associated with more postpartum perineal pain. TRIAL REGISTRATION: http://www.ClinicalTrials.gov:NCT05854888.