The Effect of Two-Staged Warm Compress on the Pain Duration of First and Second Labor Stages and Apgar Score in Prim Gravida Women: a Randomized Clinical Trial

Introduction: The aim of this study was to assess the effect of two-stage warm compress technique on the pain duration of the first and second labor stages and neonatal outcomes. Methods: The clinical trial was done on 150 women (75 subjects in each groups) in Shiraz-affiliated hospitals in 2012 A two-staged warm compress was done for 15-20 minutes in the first and second labor phase (cervical dilatation of 7 and 10 cm with zero status) while the control group received hospital routine care. The duration of labor and Apgar score were evaluated. Results: According to t-test, the average of labor duration was lower in the intervention group compared to the control group at the second stage. However, there was no significant difference for labor duration at the first stage and the first and fifth minute Apgar score. Conclusion: According to the result, this intervention seems a good method for decreasing labor duration at the second stage of parturition.