Immersion Hands and Feet in Warm Water to Reduce Perineal Pain After Vaginal Delivery: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

Objective: To assess the efcacy of immersion hands and feet in warm water for reduce perineal pain after vaginal delivery. Materials and Methods: Postpartum sixty women after vaginal delivery with second degree perineal tear at Khon Kaen hospital from December 2018 to March 2019 were randomized into two groups, the study group received immersion hands and feet in warm water at 6 hours postpartum for ten minutes and standard postpartum care. The control group received only standard postpartum care. The primary outcome was decrease of perineal pain at 6 hours postpartum that measured by visual analogue score (VAS 0 - 100) and secondary outcomes were pulse rate and additional analgesic drug used. Results: After immersion hands and feet in warm water the mean differences of perineal pain measured by VAS score at 6 hours postpartum was signicantly lower in the study group compared with control group (12.2±7.18 vs 3±4.20, p<0.001). Moreover, Pulse rate and additional analgesic drug used within 24 hours were lower in the study group but no statistically signicance. Conclusion: Ten minutes immersion hands and feet in warm water can reduce perineal pain at 6 hours postpartum