Pregnancy Discomforts Related to Pain, Anxiety, and Sleep Disturbance among Primigravida: Effect of Effleurage Massage

Abstract

Background: Effleurage massage is a form of touch done gently, slowly, continuously, and with the tips of the fingers. By stimulating the production of endorphin and serotonin chemicals, this massage seeks to seal the gate of pain and make primigravida feel comfortable and calm. Aim: To test the pregnancy discomforts related to pain, anxiety, and sleep disturbance among primigravida: Effect of effleurage massage. Design: A pre-posttest, quasi-experimental study design was employed. Setting: The Maternal and Child Health Centers for Antenatal Care at Shebin-El-Kom, Menoufia Governorate, Egypt, served as the research site for this study. Sample: One hundred and fifty primigravida were recruited in accordance with the inclusion criteria. Instruments: A structured interview questionnaire, a subjective pain scale, the Epworth sleepiness scale, and the Perinatal Anxiety Screening Scale were the four instruments utilized. Results: In terms of pregnant discomforts related to pain, sleep disturbance, and anxiety, there were statistically significant differences between the two groups (effleurage massage and control groups); however, there were no significant differences in terms of pelvic pain. Effleurage massage was found to be highly beneficial in easing pregnant discomforts associated with pain, anxiety, and sleep disruption by primigravida in the intervention group. Conclusion: Effleurage massage was a particularly important nursing intervention for decreasing pregnancy discomfort among primigravida. Recommendations: Test the effect of effleurage massage on postpartum blues and depression.