International Journal of Africa Nursing Sciences 15 (2021) 100327

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International Journal of Africa Nursing Sciences

journal homepage: www.elsevier.com/locate/ijans

Effect of uterine massage and emptying of the urinary bladder on

alleviation of afterpains among mothers in the immediate
postpartum period
Sabah Lotfy Mohamed El Sayed
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Zagazig University, Egypt

A R T I C L E I N F O A B S T R A C T

Keywords: Background: Afterpains are the most common complaint after a normal vaginal delivery. Non-pharmacological
Afterpains techniques are important priority care for alleviating afterpains.
Emptying of bladder Aim: The present study aimed to assess the effect of uterine massage and emptying of the urinary bladder on
Postpartum period
alleviation of afterpains among mothers in the immediate postpartum period.
Uterine massage
Subjects and method: In the quasi-experimental study design, 88 mothers who had afterpains were selected by
purposive sampling from the postpartum ward of Zagazig University Hospital, Egypt. Data were collected
through a structured interview sheet and visual analog pain scale. The study sample received a uterine massage
and regular emptying of the urinary bladder. The outcome (afterpains) was assessed using a visual analog pain
scale after an hour of childbirth until discharge from the hospital.
Results: There was a significant reduction in the level and mean afterpains score after the interventions
(P = 0.012 & P < 0.000), respectively.
Conclusion: The study concluded that uterine massage and regular emptying of the urinary bladder were effective
in reducing the level of afterpains among mothers in the early postpartum period. Mothers should be encouraged
to use these methods as alternative techniques to relieve afterpains and overcome the side effects of using
analgesics.

1. Introduction discomfort associated with afterpains and 10% to 18% of mothers

The early postpartum period is a vital and important period for
mothers and their families. It is also the most stressful period for
mothers, who have to deal with the requirements of their newborn,
personal care, and coping with the physiological and psychological
changes (Almalik, 2017). Immediately after childbirth, mothers suffer
from a wide range of postpartum problems, including; Perineal tearing
and laceration, episiotomy, breast engorgement, nipple expansion,
hemorrhoids, and cramps, as the uterus shrinks back to its pre-
pregnancy size (Can & Saruhan, 2015).
Afterpains are defined as women who experience various types of
pain and discomfort after childbirth, including cramping pains associ­
ated with uterine involution, as the uterus contracts to reduce blood loss
and return to its non-pregnant size (Deussen, Ashwood, Martis, Stewart,
& Grzeskowiak, 2020). It is one of the negligible complaints experienced
by approximately 67% of postpartum mothers (Soumya, Rajan, & Suvi,
2018). Between 50% and 80% of mothers experienced a certain level of
experience severe pain (Dash, 2016). The repeated reduction and
contraction of the uterus after childbirth generally causes postpartum
pain which often appears after birth. The main origin of afterpains and
discomfort is uterine contractions (Cunningham et al., 2012).
Afterpains symptoms include lower abdominal and back pain, or
described as severe or dull cramps, similar to severe discomfort from
menstrual pain, and usually appear during the first 48 h after birth and
last for 1–4 days (Arulkumaran et al., 2016). It can lead to emotional
distress, depression, loss of appetite, and the inability of the mother to
perform her routine care, and it has a negative impact on their rela­
tionship with the care of newborns and their quality of life (Taleb,
Ozgoli, Mojab, Nsiri, & Ahvazi, 2016).
Management of afterpains includes pharmacological methods such
as paracetamol, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (aspirin and
naproxen), and opioids (codeine), and non-pharmacological methods
such as transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (Deussen et al.,
2011). Non-pharmacological methods such as bladder emptying,

E-mail address: sabahlotfy78@yahoo.com.

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijans.2021.100327
Received 7 November 2019; Received in revised form 19 June 2021; Accepted 1 July 2021
Available online 3 July 2021
2214-1391/© 2021 Published by Elsevier Ltd. This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/).
S. Lotfy Mohamed El Sayed
ambulation, abdominal muscle exercise, lying flat on the abdomen, and
oil massage are more effective measures for relieving afterpains (Low­
dermilk, 2010). Here lies the importance of nursing care in determining
the needs of comforting women in the period immediately after birth,
which will allow the planning and implementation of nursing proced­
ures to enhance the convenience of mothers and contribute to improving
the quality of life during this period (Figueiredo, Fialho, Mendonça,
Rodrigues, & Silva, 2018).
1.1. Significance of the study
There are various methods to alleviate the afterpain, such as
encouraging the mother to empty her bladder every 2–3 h, using a cold
or hot water bottle, and taking medications. The analgesics used for
alleviation of afterpain are known to have side effects associated with
their use, such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, gastroin­
testinal bleeding, dizziness, drowsiness, and finally seizures and deep
coma (Mohammadi, 2015).
1.2. Aim of the study
The present study aimed to assess the effect of uterine massage and
emptying of the urinary bladder on alleviation of afterpains among
mothers in the immediate postpartum period. This was achieved
through the following objectives:
1. To assess the effect of uterine massage and regular emptying of the
urinary bladder on the level of afterpains among mothers in the early
postpartum period.
2. To evaluate the relationship between level of afterpains before and
after intervention and variables of postnatal mothers.
1.3. The hypothesis of the study
Uterine massages and regular emptying of the urinary bladder are
expected to provide relief of postpartum pain among mothers in the
immediate postpartum period.
2. Subjects and method
2.1. Design and setting of the study
A quasi-experimental study design was conducted in the postpartum
ward of the obstetric building, Zagazig University Hospitals, Al Sharkia
Governorate, Egypt. This building includes an emergency room, labor
ward; the prenatal and postnatal ward with 40 beds as well as it provides
adequate free services. There is a separate operating room for delivery
and a separate neonatal unit to provide warmth and resuscitation of the
newborn. It also includes an outpatient clinic for obstetrics and gyne­
cology, pharmacy, lab, and an ultrasound unit.
2.2. Sampling size
About 250 deliveries per month. Out of them, 150 mothers had un­
dergone normal vaginal deliveries, and 100 mothers had undergone
cesarean deliveries. The study sample size was calculated according to
the following formula:
( )2
( )2
n = 1 +2C ds = 1 +2(7.85) 0.2960.73
= 80 + 9 (considering 10%
dropout = 9) Sample size (n) = 89.
where
• n: Sample size for one group that need to find out.
• d = Detected difference in means of intervention (0.152).
2
International Journal of Africa Nursing Sciences 15 (2021) 100327
• c = Constant value depends on the value of α and β selected for the
study (at 95% CI and 80% power = 7.85).
• s = SD which is based on a previous study or pilot study (0.73).
2.3. Sampling technique
A non-probability purposive sampling method was adopted for this
study. According to the researcher, postpartum mothers who fulfilled
the inclusion criteria were included in this study.
2.4. Criteria for selecting the study sample
• Inclusion criteria
1. Mothers who undergone a normal vaginal delivery and have a full-
term fetus (37–40 weeks) with a vertical presentation.
2. Mothers who entered the postpartum ward until their discharge from
the hospital.
3. Mothers who have accepted to participate in this study
4. Mothers who breastfeed their infants.
• Exclusion criteria
1. Mothers who suffer from medical or obstetric complications (high-
risk pregnancy or postpartum, diabetes).
2. Mothers who lost their infants.
3. Mothers who use analgesic drugs.
2.5. Tools of data collection
Two tools were used and it consisted of 23 items.
2.5.1. Tool I: Structured interview questionnaire sheet.
Part (A). Demographic characteristics of the studied mothers such as;
age (years), education status, occupation status, residence place.
Part (B). Obstetrical data of the studied mothers e.g., parity, duration
of labor (hour), length of postnatal mother hospital stay (hour).
2.5.2. Tool II: Pain assessment Scale
A visual analogue pain scale was used to assess the level of mothers
afterpains. The level of pain was assessed based on the mother’s self-
reported intensity of pain.
2.5.3. Scoring system
It was ranged “from zero to ten”, where zero means no pain and ten
means worse pain” (Luthian, 2011).
2.5.4. Level of pain
It was adapted based on the degree of color that represented as the
following; Yellow = no pain (0), Green = mild pain (1–3),
Blue = moderate pain (4–6), and Red = severe pain (7–10) (Fig. 1).
2.6. The content of validity
Validity content was reviewed by two in the field of Obstetrics and
Gynecology and two experts in the field of Obstetrics and Gynecology
Nursing to assess their suitability. No modifications were done.
2.7. Reliability of the tools
The reliability of the visual analog scale for assessing pain was
confirmed by Gift (1989), and by a test and retest of a pilot study.
Cronbach’s alpha coefficient for tool (II) was r = 0.723. Therefore, the
tool was considered reliable for study.
2.8. The pilot study
A pilot study was performed on 10% (9 mothers) of the study sample
S. Lotfy Mohamed El Sayed International Journal of Africa Nursing Sciences 15 (2021) 100327

Fig. 1. Level of afterpain.

2.9.4. Evaluation Phase

At the end of the intervention, the researcher assessed and scored the
level of “self-reported” afterpain of the mother using a modified visual
analogue pain scale. The researcher spent one hour with each mother.
Then, half an hour before the mother was discharged from the hospital,
the researcher assessed the level of afterpain of the mother, by using the
visual analogue scale pain rate.

2.10. Data analysis

Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS version 22. Data were
represented using frequency and percentages for categorical variables.
The mean (SD) was performed using a Student’s t-test to assess the effect
Fig. 2. Percentage distribution of the studied mothers according to their
of the procedures. The Chi-Square test was used to compare categorical
afterpains frequency before interventions.
variables. A P-value<0.05 was considered statistically significant.

to assess the clarity and applicability of the study tool and the time
required to collect it. There was no modification to the tool after the 2.11. Ethical considerations
pilot study. The sample selected for the pilot study was not included in
the main study sample. The approval was obtained from the Ethics Research Committee
(NUR2020), the Faculty of Nursing, and Zagazig University Hospital
2.9. The procedure of the study administrators after clarification of the study’s aim. Oral consent was
obtained from all participants before the collection of data. Participant
The approval to conduct this study was obtained from the Dean of the data were considered personal and administered for the study only.
Faculty of Nursing and directed to the hospital administration to
conduct the study after clarifying the aim of the study. The study was 3. Results
conducted through four main phases. These phases were implemented
from the beginning of January 2020 until the end of June 2020. Table 1 shows the frequency and percentage distribution of the
studied mothers according to their demographic characteristics and
2.9.1. Assessment phase obstetrical data. Regarding the age of mothers, 40.9% of them were in
Data related to the demographic and obstetric variables were the age group of 19–25 years and their mean age was 22.34 ± 0.99 years.
collected by interview method. The researcher assessed the level of
mothers’ self-reported ’ afterpains using a modified visual analogue pain Table 1
scale and scored. Demographic characteristics and obstetrical data of the studied mothers with
afterpains (n = 88).
2.9.2. Planning phase Variables f (%) Mean ± SD
During the two days (Saturday and Wednesday) designated for col­ Maternal age (categories)
lecting the study sample, the researcher visited the postpartum ward <19 21(23.9) –
from 10 A.M. until 2P.M, the researcher explained the anatomical and 19–25 36(40.9) –
physiological changes that occur in the female reproductive system 26–30 18(20.4) –
> 30 13(14.8)
during the postpartum period. –
Maternal age (years) Mean ± SD – 22.34 ± 0.99

2.9.3. Implementation phase: Education status

Illiterate 4(4.5)
The researcher informed the mother to empty her bladder before the
Primary school 33(37.5)
procedure and lie flat in a supine position. First, the researcher placed Secondary school 30(34.1)
one hand on the mother’s abdomen, on the top of the uterine fundus, High education or above 21(23.9)
and other hand above the symphysis pubis. Then gently massage the Occupation status
fundus of the uterus for 30 s and repeat this every 5 times for 10 min at Working 25(28.4)
an interval of one hour till discharge from the hospital (Rani & Priyanka, Not working 63(71.6)
2019). Secondly, the researcher taught mothers how to massage the Residence place
uterine fundus during the hospital stay period by placing one of the Urban 56(63.6)
hands on the symphysis pubis and the other on the upper part of the Rural 32(36.4)
uterus (fundus). The researcher also explained to mothers empty their Parity
Primipara 43(48.9)
urinary bladder regularly for an average of 15 min until they were dis­ Multiparous 45(51.1)
charged from the hospital (Dash, 2016). Duration of labor (hours) Mean ± SD 7.14 ± 3.35
Length of hospital stay (hours) Mean ± SD 2.3 ± 0.85

Note: f = frequency; % = percentage, SD = standard deviation.

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S. Lotfy Mohamed El Sayed International Journal of Africa Nursing Sciences 15 (2021) 100327

However, 23.9% and 14.8% of them were under the age of 19 and over Table 3
30, respectively. Moreover, 37.5% and 71.6% of them have completed Distribution of the studied mothers according to their mean scores of afterpains
their primary school and did not work, respectively. Furthermore, about before and after the intervention (N = 88).
two-thirds (63.6%) and more than half (51.1%) of them were living in Items Mean ± SD t- P-value
urban areas and multiparous, respectively. The mean duration of labor Before After
test
and hospital stay was 7.14 ± 3.35 and 2.3 ± 0.85 h, respectively. intervention intervention
Table 2 shows that before the intervention, 20.4% and 33.0% of
Frequency of 1.91 ± 0.91 1.81 ± 0.75 27.5 <0.000**
mothers had mild and severe afterpain. However, after the intervention, afterpains
48.9% and 19.3% of them had mild pain and severe pain, respectively. Level of afterpains 2.13 ± 0.72 1.83 ± 0.73 23.5 < 0.000**
There is a statistically significant decrease in the level of afterpains after ** significant at < 0.05
the intervention (X2 = 22.7 and P = 0.012).
Table 3 shows that the mean score of afterpains was 2.13 ± 0.72 and
found that after normal vaginal delivery, >82% of mothers experienced
1.83 ± 0.73 before and after the intervention, respectively. There is a
postpartum pain. This is an indication to give importance to a slight
highly statistically significant decrease in mean afterpains score after the
discomfort after childbirth.
intervention at P < 0.000.
The present study showed that most of mothers experienced after­
Table 4 shows that there is a statistically significant relationship
pains all the time. Similarly, a descriptive study was conducted by
between sociodemographic variables of the mothers and the level of
Andrias (2006) on 96 mothers using a convenience sampling technique
pain before and after the intervention.
to evaluate the level of afterpains among postnatal mothers at a Royal
Table 5 demonstrates that there is a negative correlation between
University, Washington. They concluded that most of the postpartum
mothers’ age and pain level before intervention (r = − 0.303- &
mothers experienced afterpains as an uncomfortable and stressful pain.
P = 0.004). However, there is a positive correlation between hospital
The present study showed that both regular emptying of the urinary
stay after childbirth and pain level before and after the intervention
bladder and massaging the uterus had a significant effect on alleviating
(r = 0.425 & P < 0.000). However, there was no correlation between
afterpains among postpartum mothers (P < 0.001). The study indicated
occupation, residence, duration of labor, and pain level before and after
that regular emptying of the bladder and massaging the uterus were
the intervention (P > 0.05).
effective in overcoming afterpains. The study findings supported by Rani
and Priyanka (2019) conducted a quasi-experimental study on 60
4. Discussion
mothers to evaluate the effectiveness of uterine massages on reducing
afterpains among postpartum mothers at Thiruvalur Governmental
The postpartum period begins after childbirth and the mother’s body
Hospital. They found that uterine massage had a significant effect in
returns to a pre-pregnant condition. (Kansky, 2016). The World Health
reducing afterpains among mothers after childbirth. So, the present
Organization (2014) described the postpartum period as the most
study recommends that since most postpartum mothers experience some
important and neglected stage in the lives of mothers and their families.
level of afterpains, nursing interventions are necessary for all mothers to
Most maternal and newborn deaths occur during this period. In general,
alleviate this pain.
afterpains lead to severe consequences for mothers and their infants as
Dash (2016) conducted a study to assess the effectiveness of lying flat
well as interfering with their child care, breastfeeding, and their lifestyle
on the abdomen, emptying the bladder, and oil massage interventions on
(Emily, 2013).
afterpains among 50 postpartum mothers. They showed a statistically
Regarding socio-demographic characteristics of the mothers, most of
significant difference in the level of pain between mothers before and
them were in the 19–25 age group, had primary education, were un­
after the interventions. Also, this finding was consistent with the finding
employed, and lived in urban areas. The findings of the study were
of Ramasamy and Suzan (2014) conducted a one-group pre-test, a post-
supported by Sheila (2012) who conducted a quasi-experimental study
test experimental study to assess the level of afterpains using the
to assess the effectiveness of massage on uterine involution among 60
Numeric Rating Scale among 60 postnatal mothers in Salem. They
mothers postpartum admitted in the postpartum ward at Bensam Hos­
showed a highly significant decrease in the level of afterpains following
pital, Nagercoil. They mentioned that the highest percentage of
nursing interventions (emptying the bladder, uterine massage, and
mothers’ age ranged from 18 to 22 years, were urban residents and
alternative leg lifting exercises) at p < 0.001 in comparison with the pre-
housewives.
interventions of afterpains. The study concluded that interventions were
The current study showed that most of the mothers experienced more
effective in the reduction of afterpains.
than one complaint such as afterpains. Similarly, Soumya et al. (2018)
The present results showed a significant reduction in mean scores for
conducted a study to determine the incidence and knowledge about
afterpain after regular emptying of the urinary bladder and uterine
minor problems among mothers after childbirth and developed an in­
massage (p < 0.000). This finding was consistent with the study finding
formation leaflet on the management of minor of the puerperium
of Shyla (2012) conducted an experimental study to assess the effec­
discomfort. They revealed that the four main problems of postpartum
tiveness of uterine massage in relieving afterpains among 60 postnatal
were afterpains, perineal discomfort, constipation, and fatigue. More­
mothers during the first postnatal day after normal vaginal delivery
over, Eisenach et al. (2008) mentioned that pain and fatigue were the
using a Visual analog scale. They showed that pain scores in the control
most common problems reported by mothers in the early postpartum
group were worse compared to the experimental group. The study
period. Further, Holdcroft, Snidvongs, Cason, Doré, and Berkley (2003)
concluded that there was a significant difference between the score of
the pain of before and after interventions.
Table 2 With regards to the relationship between afterpains level before and
Frequency and percentage distribution of the studied mothers according to their after the intervention and mothers variables. The present study indi­
level of afterpains before and after the intervention (N = 88). cated a significant relationship between afterpains level before and after
Level of afterpains Before After X2-test P-Value the intervention with respect to age, parity, duration of labor, and
intervention intervention hospital stay (P < 0.05).. This result was supported by Danasu and
No % No % Praimathi (2016) who showed that there was a relationship between the
before and after pains with selected demographic variables among
Mild pain (0–3) 18 20.4 43 48.9 22.7 0.012*
Moderate pain (4–6) 41 46.6 28 31.8
postnatal mothers. Similarly, a study conducted by Priyakumari (2012)
Severe pain (7–10) 29 33.0 17 19.3 to assess the effectiveness of uterine massage and alternative leg lifting

4
S. Lotfy Mohamed El Sayed International Journal of Africa Nursing Sciences 15 (2021) 100327

Table 4
Relationship between level of afterpains before and after intervention and variables of postnatal mothers.
Level of afterpains before the intervention X2 P-value Level of after pain after the intervention X2 P-value

Mild Moderate Severe Mild Moderate Severe

N % N % N % N % N % N %

Age (year)
< 19 0 0.0% 8 9.1% 13 14.8% 15.82 4 4.5% 8 9.1% 9 10.2% 36.36
0.02* 0.000**
19–25 8 9.1% 20 22.7% 8 9.1% 20 22.7% 8 9.1% 8 9.1%
26–30 5 5.7% 9 10.2% 4 4.5% 8 9.1% 10 11.4% 0 0.0%
> 30 5 5.7% 4 4.5% 4 4.5% 0 0.0% 13 14.8% 0 0.0%
Education status 21.52
Illiterate 0 0.0% 0 0.0% 4 4.5% 12.07 0 0.0% 4 4.5% 0 0.0% 0.001**
Elementary 5 5.7% 20 22.7% 8 9.1% 0.06 16 18.2% 17 19.3% 0 0.0%
Secondary 8 9.1% 13 14.8% 9 10.2% 8 9.1% 13 14.8% 9 10.2%
College or above 5 5.7% 8 9.1% 8 9.1% 8 9.1% 5 5.7% 8 9.1%
Occupation status 3.64
Working 5 5.7% 12 13.6% 8 9.1% 0.03 8 9.1% 9 10.2% 8 9.1% 0.16
Not working 13 14.8% 29 33.0% 21 23.9% 0.99 24 27.3% 30 34.1% 9 10.2%
Residence 7.65
Urban 9 10.2% 29 33.0% 18 20.5% 2.37 16 18.2% 31 35.2% 9 10.2% 0.02*
Rural 9 10.2% 12 13.6% 11 12.5% 0.31 16 18.2% 8 9.1% 8 9.1%
Parity 22.07
Primipara 0 0.0% 20 22.7% 23 26.1% 27.96 12 13.6% 14 15.9% 17 19.3% 0.000**
Multipara 18 20.5% 21 23.9% 6 6.8% 0.000** 20 22.7% 25 28.4% 0 0.0%
Duration of labor (hours) 54.44
4–6 9 10.2% 25 28.4% 12 13.6% 96.115 12 13.6% 22 25.0% 8 9.1% 0.000**
>6 9 10.2% 16 18.2% 21 23.9% 0.000** 20 22.7% 17 19.3% 9 10.2%
Duration of the hospital stays (hours)
< 4 Hrs 5 15.9% 32 36.4% 8 9.1% 22.438 24 27.3% 26 29.5% 4 4.5% 16.53
4–6 Hrs 4 4.5% 9 10.2% 21 23.9% 0.000** 8 9.1% 13 14.8% 13 14.8% 0.002*

6. Conclusion
Table 5
Correlation between demographic characteristics of mothers and level of after­
The study concluded that uterine massage and regular emptying of
pains before and after nursing intervention.
the urinary bladder were effective in reducing the level of afterpains
Level of afterpains Level of afterpains among mothers in the early postpartum period.
before the after the
intervention intervention
7. Recommendations
r P-Value r P-Value

Mothers age − 0.303-** 0.004 − 0.145- 0.179 The role of the nurse is to find a safe, non-pharmaceutical way to
Education level -0.101- 0.351 0.228* 0.032
relieve pain and make the postpartum period for a woman the most
Occupation 0.004 0.968 − 0.148- 0.169
Residence − 0.066- 0.544 − 0.083- 0.443
joyful period of her life. Utilizing the available literature and studies
Duration of labor (hours) 0.090 0.404 − 0.101- 0.349 related to various non-pharmacological measures for postpartum pain
Postpartum hospital stays (hours) 0.425** 0.000 0.386** 0.000 relief, and educating postpartum mothers about various therapies for
*Correlation is significant at the 0.05 and 0.01 level. postpartum pain relief. Also, encouraging them for utilizing research-
based practices. Disseminating research results through conferences,
seminars, and publications in nursing journals.
exercise on the reduction of afterpains among multiparous mothers in
kundrathur at Chennai. They indicated the effectiveness of interventions
Declaration of Competing Interest
on the reduction of afterpains among multiparous mothers.
However, Ramasamy and Suzan (2014) conducted a study to assess
The authors declare that they have no known competing financial
the effectiveness of nursing interventions (uterine massage and alternate
interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence
leg exercise) on the level of afterpains among primiparous mothers in
the work reported in this paper.
Bangalore India. They found that most primiparous mothers had mild
pain. Also, Taffazoli and Khadem Ahmadabadi (2014) observed that no
Acknowledgment
statistically significant relationship was found between the mean
severity of after-pain and the mother’s education and occupation, so­
The researcher is grateful to the study participants. Special thanks
cioeconomic status. This difference might be due to the homogeneous
are given to everyone who has provided support for conducting the
demographic variables of the mothers.
study.
5. Limitation of the study
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Further reading
Deussen, A. R., Ashwood, P., & Martis, R. (2005). Analgesia for relief of pain due to
uterine cramping/involution after birth. Art. No.: CD004908 Cochrane Database of
Systematic Reviews, (Issue 5), CD004908. https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.
CD004908.pub2.