Impact of Warm Perineal Compression as a Non-Pharmacological Intervention for Pain Management During and after Vaginal Delivery in Primigravida Women

Abstract

Background: Labor can be quite painful and may lead to perineal tears, impacting maternal comfort and the overall birth experience. Applying warm compresses to the perineal area during the second stage can lessen tears, alleviate pain, and enhance results. This research assesses their impact on perineal discomfort, damage, and maternal contentment in first-time mothers in Bangladesh. Materials and Method: This RCT conducted at Sir Salimullah Medical College Mitford Hospital included 80 primigravida women in term spontaneous labor, who were assigned at random to receive warm perineal compression (n = 40) or standard care (n = 40). Pain, labor results, maternal contentment, and perineal health were evaluated via VAS/NRS and analyzed using SPSS 25.0 (p < 0.05). Approval for ethical considerations and informed consent was secured. Results: Eighty primigravida women were assigned randomly to WPC or Control, showing similar baseline characteristics. WPC notably lowered labor pain (VAS 5.2 versus 7.1; p < 0.001), reduced analgesic consumption (30% compared to 55%; p = 0.02), and enhanced maternal satisfaction (82.5% versus 55%; p = 0.01). A greater percentage of women experienced intact perineums (35% compared to 15%; p = 0.03), and postpartum pain was reduced both immediately and at the 24-hour mark. The length of the second stage was a bit shorter, though not significantly. WPC significantly enhanced pain, satisfaction, and perineal results. Conclusion: Warm perineal compression is a secure and efficient non-drug method that alleviates labor and postpartum pain, enhances maternal satisfaction, and leads to improved perineal results in first-time mothers.

J Med Coll Women Hosp.2026; 22(2): 198-205