Effect of Immediate Postpartum Skin-to-Skin Contact Between Mothers and Newborns on Episiotomy Pain: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Authors

  • Chanikan Taechavichitpisal Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Srinakharinwirot University, Ongkharak, Nakhon Nayok 26120, Thailand.
  • Nopporn Rodpenpear Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Srinakharinwirot University, Ongkharak, Nakhon Nayok 26120, Thailand.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.31584/jhsmr.2023978

Keywords:

episiotomy pain after delivery, skin-to-skin contact, vaginal delivery

Abstract

Objective: To determine the effect of immediate skin-to-skin contact (SSC) between mothers and their newborns on episiotomy pain.
Material and Methods: This randomized controlled trial enrolled 60 participants who underwent vaginal delivery. The participants were divided into two groups: an immediate SSC group and a no SSC group (n=30 for each group). SSC was initiated within 10 minutes after birth with a contact duration of at least 30 minutes. Episiotomy pain severity was evaluated using a visual analog scale (VAS) at one hour after birth in both groups. The pain scores were analyzed using the Mann-Whitney U test and the optimum contact time for reducing episiotomy wound pain was evaluated by a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve.
Results: The median VAS of episiotomy pain at one hour after delivery in the SSC group was statistically significantly lower than the no SSC group (1.9 (0.8-3.1) vs. 3.4 (2-5.2) cm, p-value<0.001). The contact time for optimal pain reduction was at least 30 minutes of SSC.
Conclusion: Immediate SSC contact between a mother and her neonate after delivery can effectively reduce episiotomy pain.

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Published

2023-09-21

How to Cite

1.
Taechavichitpisal C, Rodpenpear N. Effect of Immediate Postpartum Skin-to-Skin Contact Between Mothers and Newborns on Episiotomy Pain: A Randomized Controlled Trial. J Health Sci Med Res [Internet]. 2023 Sep. 21 [cited 2024 Jul. 18];41(6):e2023978. Available from: https://he01.tci-thaijo.org/index.php/jhsmr/article/view/266115

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