Effect of Breathing Technique of Blowing versus Perennial Warm Compresses during The Second Stage of Labor on Birth Outcomes among Primipara.

Background: Childbirth is a pleasant event yet a challenging period for all mothers. It entails physical challenges such as loss of perineal integrity, and perineal trauma. Perineal trauma had been reported as a major distress for laboring women. However, there is a scarcity of empirical data to substantiate interventions aimed at mitigating its impact. The study aimed to determine the effect of the breathing technique of blowing versus perennial warm compresses during the second stage of labor on birth outcomes among primipara. Design: A quasi-experimental research design was used. Sample: A convenient sample of 60 participants were recruited and divided into two study groups (30 for each). Setting: at the labor and delivery unit at Rashid General Hospital, affiliated to the Ministry of Health. Two tools were used for data collection: Tool I: Basic data structured interview schedule, which included socio-demographic characteristics, reproductive history, history of current pregnancy and clinical assessment. Tool II: Birth outcome assessment sheet. Results: This study reported that 93.4% of the warm compresses group had more intact perineum than the blowing technique group (60%), with a statistically significant difference between both groups (P = < 0.009. Also, there was no statistically significant difference between the two groups regarding the duration of the second stage of labor and progress of labor (p= 0.934& p= 0.553 respectively). Conclusion: This study concluded that both the blowing breathing technique and the warm compresses application yield positive effects on birth outcomes in terms of the progress of labor, the duration of the second stage of labor, and fetal birth outcomes. However, the application of perineal warm compresses demonstrates a greater positive effect compared to the blowing breathing technique concerning perineal integrity. Recommendation: The perineal warm compresses should be recommended during the second stage of labor to maintain the perineal integrity.