Effects of Warm Water Bath and Ice Pack Application on Perineal Pain and Episiotomy Wound Healing among Mothers

Perineal pain following episiotomy is a common postpartum problem that can negatively affect maternal comfort and daily functioning. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of a postpartum educational programme, including the use of ice packs and warm water baths, on perineal pain and on the healing of episiotomy wounds.

A quasi-experimental study was conducted with 104 postpartum mothers who underwent mediolateral episiotomy, recruited from a maternity teaching hospital in Erbil. Participants were assigned to an intervention group (n = 52) and a control group (n = 52). The intervention group received structured education on perineal self-care, including the application of ice packs for the first 48 hours, followed by warm water baths for one week, whereas the control group received routine care. Perineal pain was assessed using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), and wound healing was evaluated using the Redness, Edema, Ecchymosis, Discharge, and Approximation (REEDA) scale. Data were analysed using nonparametric statistical tests.

There was a statistically significant reduction in perineal pain and an improvement in wound healing in the intervention group compared with the control group (p < 0.001).

Structured postpartum education, combined with non-pharmacological interventions, effectively reduced pain and enhanced wound healing, supporting their integration into routine postpartum care.

Postpartum educational programmes incorporating ice packs and warm water baths significantly improve maternal outcomes and should be incorporated into standard nursing practice.