The Effectiveness of Massage and Warm Compresses on Perineal Trauma, Hemorrhage, Length of Episiotomy and Pain: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

There are limited number of randomized controlled studies on the effectiveness of perineal massage and warm compresses in reducing perineal trauma.To evaluate the effectiveness of massage and warm compresses implemented by nurses and midwives on perineal trauma, volume of hemorrhage, length of episiotomy, and pain.The single-center, single-blind randomized controlled trial (RCT) included 120 pregnant women in labor. Women were randomly divided into four groups: receiving massage only, warm compress only, both massage and warm compress, and the control group.The application of warm compresses and massage was effective for reducing perineal trauma (p<0.001). Warm compress application was found to be effective to decrease first-degree trauma (p<0.001). The hemorrhage volume and length of episiotomy for the intervention groups were lower than in the control group (p<.001). Massage and warm compress interventions were effective for reducing pain (p<0.05).Massage and warm compress methods are effective in reducing trauma, pain, hemorrhage, and episiotomy length. Furthermore, the use of the two methods together does not provide an advantage.