Perineal analgesia with an ice pack after spontaneous vaginal birth: a randomized controlled trial.

Abstract

INTRODUCTION:

This study evaluated the effectiveness of an ice pack applied for 20 minutes to alleviate perineal pain after spontaneous vaginal birth.

METHODS:

We conducted a randomized controlled trial at the Amparo Maternal Birth Center in São Paulo, Brazil. Study participants included 114 nulliparous women divided into 3 groups (n = 38 per group): experimental (ice packs on the perineum), placebo (water packs at set temperature), and control (no treatment).

RESULTS:

A numerical scale (0 to 10) was used for pain assessment. A comparison of the average pain at the beginning and after 20 minutes showed a significant reduction of pain (P < .001) in the 3 groups, and the experimental group had a lower average score for pain compared with the control group (1.6 versus 3.3, P = .032).

DISCUSSION:

The use of ice packs for 20 minutes was effective for perineal pain relief after vaginal birth.

• Authors: Lucila Coca Leventhal, Sonia Maria Junqueira Vasconcellos de Oliveira, Moacyr Roberto Cuce Nobre, Flora Maria Barbosa da Silva
• Journal: Journal of midwifery & women's health (J Midwifery Womens Health) 2011 Mar-Apr Vol. 56 Issue 2 Pg. 141-6 ISSN: 1542-2011 [Electronic] United States
• PMID: 21429079 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)
• Copyright: © 2011 by the American College of Nurse-Midwives.

Chemical References

• Ice

Topics

• Adult
• Analgesia, Obstetrical (methods)
• Female
• Humans
• Ice
• Pain Management
• Pain Measurement
• Perineum
• Postpartum Period
• Pregnancy
• Time Factors
• Treatment Outcome
• Young Adult