A Study to Assess the Effect of Prenatal Perineal Massage on Gestational Age, Duration of 1st and 2nd Stage of Labour

Abstract

Background: Women who experience perineal trauma can subsequently be affected by conditions such as dyspareunia, urinary and anal incontinence, perineal pain, and delayed mother–neonate interaction Aim and objectives: This study aimed to assess the effects of prenatal perineal massage on gestational age duration of 1st and 2nd stage of labour. Material and Methods: A quantitative research approach and experimental research design was used for the present study. The study was conducted on 60 (experimental 30+ control 30 randomly assigned by lottery method)prenatal mothers without any complication attending antenatal outpatient department and deliver vaginally in labour ward of Krishna Hospital, Karad. The independent variable was prenatal perineal massage and dependent variables were labour outcome i.e. gestational age, duration of first stage and second stage of labour. The data was collected by the researcher after obtaining an informed consent from participants. Results: Maximum mothers (63.33%) and (53.33%) were <23 years of age respectively. As per education, majority of mothers 24 (80%) and (86.6%) were educated up to secondary level from both the groups respectively. From both the groups maximum mothers (90%) had normal vaginal delivery. The mean gestational age 38.4 ± 1.3 of mothers from control group was higher than the mean gestational age 37.8 ± 1.4 of mothers from experimental group. There was significant association found between mean duration of first stage and second stage of labour from both the groups (P<0.05). Conclusion: Prenatal perineal massage after 34 weeks of gestation is effective in reduction of duration of 1st and 2nd stage of labour

Keywords

• prenatal perineal massage
• gestational age