Randomized Controlled Trial to Assess the Effectiveness of a Self-Care Program for Pregnant Women for Relieving Hiesho.

Objective: To assess differences in improvement of hiesho (sensitivity to cold) through a randomized controlled trial (RCT) of one group that used a self-care program (the Home Care Package Program for Relieving Hiesho) and another that did not.

Methods: Participants were pregnant women experiencing hiesho in the 28th to 33rd weeks of pregnancy. The group carried out the intervention program for 4 weeks by wearing leg warmers, performing exercises, and pressing acupuncture points. The control group did not take any specific actions. Hiesho condition was assessed by using thermography to measure temperature in the four limbs; the changes were analyzed.

Results: Findings for 140 pregnant women (73 in the experimental group and 67 in the control group) were analyzed. Participants' body temperatures were measured after completion of the program for 4 weeks and compared to their temperatures before start of the program. Compared with the control group, the experimental group had arm skin temperature 3.0°C (p < 0.001) higher and leg skin temperature 1.93°C (p = 0.02) higher; both differences were significant.

Conclusion: The Home Care Package Program for Relieving Hiesho self-care program significantly relieved hiesho.