Effectiveness of Warm Compression on Lumbo-Sacral Region in Terms of Labour Pain Intensity and Labour Outcomes among Nulliparous: an Interventional Study

Abstract

Introduction:Childbirth is a distinctive and joyous moment in every mother's life. Giving birth is one of the powerful and vital event. This study aimed to assess and evaluate the effectiveness of warm compression (moist heat) on lumbo-sacral region in terms of labor pain intensity and labor outcomes Methods: An experimental research design was carried out on 88 nulliparous mothers with normal singleton term pregnancy (44 participants in each group) who were admitted in the labor room. Mothers who had high-risk pregnancy were excluded. Warm compression was given to nulliparous mothers of the experimental group with hydrochollator pack at 70 0 C temperature for 20 minutes for 3 times with one-hour interval on lumbo sacral region starting from 4-5 cm of cervical dilatation. Labor pain intensity score, fetal heart rate, frequency and duration of uterine contractions were assessed before and immediately of warm compression and again after 30 minutes only labor pain was assessed. Results:Study results revealed that immediately after first, second and third time of warm compression labor pain intensity score in experimental group was lower than control group respectively ( t= 3.20; P< 0.001; t =4.45; P< 0.001; t= 6.18; P< 0.001). But no significant difference found in fetal heart rate and labor outcomes in terms of duration of labor, type of delivery, baby born alive/ not and cried immediately after birth. Conclusion:Warm compression was useful method to decrease the labour pain among nulliparous mothers in the first stage of labour and mothers reported satisfaction with intervention.

The effect of heat therapy on pain intensity, duration of labor during first stage among primiparous women and Apgar scores: A systematic review and meta-analysis

“…The sample sizes of the studies ranged from 28 to 137. Out of 10 included studies, five 22 , 25 , 28 , 30 , 34 were performed in Iran, and the remaining five were from Taiwan 35 , Brazil 36 , India 26 , Australia 24 , and Spain 27 . The age of the participants ranged from 18 to 35 years ( Table 1 ).…”

“…Heat therapy as an intervention was given to mothers by different methods in selected studies by obstetricians and midwives. These methods were warm pack 22 , 26 , 28 , hot water bag 30 , 34 , warm shower 35 , moist towel 30 , thermal belt with two pockets 27 , hot bath 24 , and immersion in warm water 36 . The duration of heat therapy was different with different temperatures (70°C for 15 min, and 38°C for 60 min).…”

“…Among all the studies, pain intensity and duration of labor during the first stage were assessed as outcomes. In most studies, pain was measured using a visual analogue scale 22 , 27 , 30 , 35 , and a numeric rating scale 26 , 34 , 36 ; whereas, the McGill pain questionnaire 25 was used in only one study. Digital watch and partograph were used for assessing duration of the first stage of labor.…”

“…In the review, they included randomized controlled trials (RCTs), quasi-RCTs, even cluster studies, even available abstracts only, and trials with sequential intervention 20 of cold and hot applications. Furthermore, few trials were missed 24 , 25 , and few got published after this Cochrane review publication 26 - 28 . Thus, this systematic review (SR) and meta-analysis (MA) study aimed, keeping in mind sound methodological planning, to provide strong evidence regarding the efficacy of heat therapy.…”

Trend of Non-Pharmacological Therapy for First Phase of Active Labor Pain: A Pilot Study

“…6,7,9 Then, a warm compress is an action by providing a warm compress that aims to meet the needs of comfort, reduce or relieve pain, reduce or prevent muscle spasms and provide a feeling of warmth. [10][11][12] Combined therapy between and CPM and warm compresses uses the principle of a warm sensation and a relaxation inducer which has been shown to reduce pain during the 1st stage of labor. 13,14 caused by pressure can be resolved.…”