Impact of Perineal Massage and Support on Primigravid Mothers in a Secondary Health Facility in Rivers State, Nigeria

Perineal massage helps prevent perineal trauma and preserves perineal integrity, particularly among first-time pregnant women. This study examined the impact of perineal massage and support on primigravid mothers at a secondary health facility in Rivers State, Nigeria. An interventional design was employed, with purposive sampling to select 70 participants (35 in the intervention group and 35 in the control group) from a population of 1,370 first-time pregnant women who underwent spontaneous vaginal delivery at Obio-Cottage Hospital over six months. Participants in the intervention group received perineal massage, while the control group received standard care. Data were collected using a standardized perineal assessment tool post-delivery and a follow-up questionnaire to evaluate postpartum outcomes. Descriptive statistics (frequencies and percentages) and z-tests were used for analysis, with significance set at p < 0.05. Results showed that 68.6% (n = 24) of mothers in the intervention group had intact perineum, compared to none in the control group. First-degree perineal tears occurred in 11.4% (n = 4) of the intervention group versus 20% (n = 7) of the control group. Episiotomy rates were significantly lower in the intervention group (20%, n = 7) than in the control group (80%, n = 28). Statistical analysis confirmed a significant difference in perineal trauma rates between groups (z-test, p < 0.05). The findings indicate that perineal massage reduces perineal trauma but may not affect other birth outcomes. The study recommends integrating perineal massage into routine antenatal care for first-time pregnant women to minimize trauma and episiotomy needs. Healthcare providers should receive training in proper techniques, and mothers should be educated on the benefits of perineal massage during childbirth.