Effectiveness of Skin- to Skin Contact on duration of third stage of labor in Baghdad Teaching Hospital: Comparative Study.

Abstract

Objectives: To determine the effectiveness of the skin-to-skin contact on duration of 3rd stage of labor.

Methodology: A quasi-experimental design study conducted at the delivery room in maternity department at Baghdad teaching Hospital in Baghdad city. Data collection was started at 2^nd January to end of March /2012. Purposive sample consisted of (80) mother and her neonate, (40) mother considered "skin-to-skin contact" group and other (40) considered "control group" and they receive the routine care of the hospital. An assessment tool was constructed for the purpose of the study, it was comprised of Socio-Demographic Data, Mother reproductive health history, assessment of placental separation time, Assessment of mothers third stage. Data were collected through the utilization of application, observation, assessment tool, and the interview techniques as a mean of data collection process. Pilot study was conducted on (10) Mothers on 2nd January to 10th January 2012. To make instrument valid, it was presented to a panel of (20) experts, the reliability of study, correlation coefficient of third stage of labor was (0.76). Data were analyzed through the application of descriptive statistical data analysis approach (i.e., frequency, percentage,) and inferential statistical data analysis approach (correlation coefficient, and chi- square & t test).

Results: The study demonstrates that the highest percentage (27.5%) of study sample was in age group (21-25) years, while the control (16-20) years, concerning the educational level for mothers (55%) (47.5%) respectively for both study and control groups are primary school graduates. Concerning the occupation for mother: highest percentages for both study & control groups (87.5%) (80%) were housewives. There are significant differences between study and control group in third stage of labor assessment, in (complete placental separation, Uterus contract immediately after birth, uterus position between umbilici and pubic bone, absent of any abnormal signs of uterine atony or postpartum hemorrhage, & giving Methargen).

Recommendations:-continuous educational and training program to all midwife work in delivery room on the implementation of skin-to skin contact for all mothers in delivery room, and clarify the benefits on mother and her neonate.