The Effect of Reflexology on the Size of 1-Hour Postpartum Hemorrhage in Nulliparous Women: A Quasi-experimental Clinical Trial

Abstract

Objectives: Pregnancy and childbirth are physiological and exciting processes in the life of every woman and family. Although the experience of childbirth is inherently unpredictable, it should be a positive event with minimal risk. Postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) is a complication of labor that requires effective preventive interventions, especially in low-income countries. Although maternal mortality has decreased in recent decades in developing and developed countries due to adopting preventive policies, the number of maternal deaths in these countries is still a concerning issue. Reflexology affects physiological and psychological stimuli. Various studies have been performed on the effect of chemical and herbal medicines on reducing PPH. Due to the importance of controlling PPH in the life of mother and child, this study aimed to investigate the effect of reflexology on reducing PPH in comparison with routine hospital care. Methods: This was a quasi-experimental clinical trial. A total of 88 research samples, nulliparous women referring to selected hospitals in Isfahan for vaginal delivery, were selected using convenience random sampling method with the inclusion criteria and then were randomly divided into two groups. The instrument of this study was a questionnaire consisting of three parts: 1. Personal characteristics (demographic characteristics and gestational age), 2. Characteristics and consequences of delivery (PPH and vital signs in the first hour after delivery (fourth stage of labor)), 3. Used instrument to measure PPH (ruler). Results: The results showed no significant difference between the studied subjects regarding demographic characteristics and gestational age. The difference in hemorrhage rate between the two groups was statistically significant. The difference in mean pulse rate (P = 0.003), and systolic and diastolic blood pressure in the first 15 minutes after delivery (P= 0.005, P = 0.003) was significant. However, the difference in the mean of these scales in 16-60 minutes and the criteria of temperature and respiratory rate in 0-60 minutes after delivery was not significant. Conclusions: According to the results of this study, reflexology not only can have a direct effect on reducing the duration of labor but also indirectly affect the reduction of PPH. The results of reviewing the maternal vital signs are a relative confirmation of this effect. Therefore, considering the safety of the reflexology method, it can be substituted for drug methods that mostly have side effects. © 2023 The Author(s).