Perineal Massage and Warm Application in Labor

Primary outcomes

1. Socio-Demographic and Obstetric Data Collection Form

   Time frame: Baseline

   The Socio-Demographic and Obstetric Data Form was used to determine the socio-demographic and obstetric characteristics of the participants. This form, created by the investigators, includes 15 questions on age, height, weight, education level, and gestational week of the pregnant women, the way pregnancy occured, and the health problems experienced during pregnancy.

2. First and Second Stage of Labor Stage Data Collection Form

   Time frame: During procedure

   The First and Second Stage of Labor Data Form and the Newborn Data Form were used to note down the applications performed on the pregnant woman during the first and second stages of labor and on the newborn after delivery. The form created by the investigators following the review of the literature consists of three parts. In the first part, there are questions regarding the applications such as dilatation, wiping, drugs used in the first stage, amniotomy, and bladder catheterization performed when the pregnant woman is admitted into the delivery room. In the second part, there are questions on the application of local anesthesia in the second stage of labor, protection of the perineum, and the type of pushing. The third part consists of questions regarding the height, weight and APGAR measurement of the newborn. This form includes 33 questions in total.

3. Childbirth Comfort Scale

   Time frame: During the procedure

   The Childbirth Comfort Scale (CCS) is used to determine the comfort level at birth. This scale is a 5-point Likert type scale and consists of 14 items. Each item is rated between 1-5 (1: Strongly disagree, 2: Mostly disagree, 3: Partially agree, 4: Mostly agree, 5: Completely agree). The scale has a four-factor structure: physical, psychospiritual, social and environmental.

4. Birth Satisfaction Scale

   Time frame: In the first 1 hour after birth

   The Birth Satisfaction Scale (BSS) is used to evaluate birth satisfaction. This scale is a 5-point Likert-type scale and consists of 30 items. The three main themes of the scale are quality of care, personal characteristics of the women, and stress experienced during childbirth. A minimum of 30 and a maximum of 150 points can be obtained from the scale. Higher scores indicate higher levels of satisfaction.

5. Perineal Trauma and Bleeding Monitorisation/Measurement Form

   Time frame: In the first 1 hour after birth

   The Perineal Trauma, Postpartum Bleeding and Episiotomy Length Evaluation Form was used to record data on perineal trauma and amount of bleeding. The form, created by theinvestigators, consists of 13 questions evaluating conditions such as episiotomy, type of perineal trauma, location and degree of trauma, and postpartum bleeding.

6. Visual Analogue Scale

   Time frame: During procedure

   The Visual Analog Scale (VAS) is a one-dimensional measurement tool used to show perceived pain and its severity. One end of the scale indicates "painlessness (0)" and the other end indicates "the most severe pain possible (10)" .

7. Birth Satisfaction Scale

   Time frame: In the first 1 hour after birth

   The Newborn Characteristics Data Collection Form consists of 7 questions including the newborn's height, weight and APGAR assessment.

8. Perineal Massage and Perineal Warm Compress Application Satisfaction Evaluation Form

   Time frame: In the first 1 hour after birth

   This form was used to record the phases, periods and durations of perineal massage and perineal heat application, as well as to evaluate the satisfaction with the application. A visual scale graded from 0 to 10 was used in the satisfaction evaluation. It was rated as "0" not at all satisfied, "10" very satisfied.In addition, the participants were asked whether the application was beneficial, whether participants would prefer it when they gave birth again, and whether they would recommend it to others. It was created by the researcher and expert approval was obtained.