The Effect of Warm Compress Bi-stage on Pain Strength in Labor Stages and After Delivery

Perineal warm packs with an increase in subcutaneous temperature and the stimulation of cutaneous receptors are advocated in the belief of pain and probably increase comfort during labor and delivery. This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of warm compress bi-stage on pain strength in the first two stages of labor and after delivery in primiparous women.

This study was a randomized clinical trial that was conducted in Shiraz hospitals from July 2012 to March 2013, in which 150 women participated and were separated into intervention (15-20-minute warm compress bi-stage in the first two stages of normal delivery at 7 and 10 cm dilations and zero position) and control (just usual hospital cares) groups. Then, pain strength was evaluated in both groups in the first two stages of normal delivery and after delivery similar to the frequency of episiotomy. The chi-square, t test, and odds ratio analysis were used for data analysis

The results of the t test showed that the mean intensity of pain reduced significantly in intervention group in both first (P < 0.002) and second stages (P < 0.001) and on the day after delivery (P < 0.001). Besides, the frequency of episiotomy meaningfully decreased in the intervention group in comparison with the control group (P < 0.001).

The research participants experienced less pain through the labor and after delivery by using warm compress bi-stage at 7 and 10 cm dilatations. Thus, this method might be suitable for reducing perineal pain resulting from episiotomy.