Effect of Heat and Cold Therapy during the First Stage of Labor on Women Perception of Birth Experience: A Randomized Controlled Trial

摘要: This study aimed to determine the effect of heat and cold therapy during first stage labor on women perception birth experience. Design: Randomized controlled trial. Setting: was conducted at Qasr al-Aini, Cairo University maternity hospitals delivery unit. Sample: One hundred parturient were recruited randomly allocated control groups, fifty for each. Inclusion criteria primigravida, nulliparous women, age between 18 35 years, gestational 37 41 weeks, single fetus, cephalic presentation, active phase (3 cm dilatation). Data collection tools included; 1) a structured interview questionnaire, 2) assessment sheet, 3) Visual Analogue Scale pain intensity , 4) maternal satisfaction, 5) State Anxiety Inventory, 6) Crashed ice hot rubber packs. Intervention: During 3 cervical dilatation, group received water pack with temperature 38-40°C. covered cotton towel their lower abdomen, low back 15 minutes left side-lying position, then they crashed thin in both hands, thumb forefinger, (LI4) acupressure point 5 minutes. Results: There significant statistical differences groups after intervention. Mothers reported mean score 5.78±0.73 SD, anxiety 32.92±3.72 SD higher satisfaction level 6.40±0.53 than mothers (P ?0.05). Conclusion & recommendation: Heat is an inexpensive particularly empower woman’s Further randomized trials are needed best evidence. Key w ords: Heat, ice, labor, experience,