The effect of sacral massage on meconium‐stained amniotic fluid and the duration of fetal descent in labor: A randomized controlled trial.

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of sacral massage on the presence of meconium‐stained amniotic fluid and the duration of fetal descent during labor in pregnant women. Methods: A total of 220 nulliparous women with singleton low‐risk pregnancies in the vertex position at term were recruited. Eligible women were randomly assigned to either massage group or a control group. The massages were performed with friction and tapotement protocol. The massage was applied for 10 min each time by a midwife who is also an expert in the field, at the onset of contractions during the intrapartum period, when cervical dilatation reached 10 cm. The Wong–Baker faces pain rating scale was evaluated. Results: No significant difference was found between the length of the first stage of labor and the total length of delivery (p = 0.097 and 0.434), respectively. There was a significant difference between the two groups in terms of perineal injuries. Perineal injury was lower in the massaged group (p = 0.005). There was a low percentage of meconium‐stained amniotic fluid in the massaged group. The difference between the groups was statistically significant. The duration of fetal descent was shorter in the massaged group (p < 0.001). A significant difference was found in Wong–Baker FACES pain rating scale scores. Lower scores were detected in the massaged group (p < 0.001). Conclusion: Sacral massage has beneficial effects on mothers and babies in obstetric practice. In addition, applying massage during labor plays a significant role in reducing the presence of meconium‐stained amniotic fluid and the duration of fetal descent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]