The effect of sacral massage on meconium-stained amniotic fluid and the duration of fetal descent in labor

A recent study investigated the effect of sacral massage on the presence of meconium-stained amniotic fluid and the duration of fetal descent during labor in pregnant women.

It recruited 220 nulliparous women with singleton low-risk pregnancies in the vertex position at term and randomized them to either a massage group or a control group. The investigated group received the massages with friction and tapotement protocol, which was applied for 10 min each time by a midwife at the onset of contractions during the intrapartum period when cervical dilatation reached 10 cm. The study then assessed Wong-Baker faces pain rating scale.

The study observed-

• No significant difference between the length of the first stage of labor and the total length of delivery, respectively. 
• A significant difference between the two groups in terms of perineal injuries. 
• Lower Perineal injury in the massaged group. 
• A low percentage of meconium-stained amniotic fluid in the massaged group. 
• A statistically significant difference between the groups. 
• Shorter duration of fetal descent in the massaged group. 
• A significant difference in Wong-Baker FACES pain rating scale scores. 
• Lower scores in the massaged group.

This study shows the beneficial effects of Sacral massage on mothers and babies in obstetric practice. Additionally, applying massage during labor significantly reduces the presence of meconium-stained amniotic fluid and the duration of fetal descent.

J Obstet Gynaecol Res. 2022 Oct 21. doi: 10.1111/jog.15460. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 36268587.