Effect of Magnesium Sulfate Wet Compress Intervention During the Second Stage of Labor on Maternal and Neonatal Outcomes in Vaginal Delivery

Qian Ye; Shaoxin Kong; Meifang Yuan; Yinmei Huang; Chunqi Hu

doi:10.26689/ijgpn.v3i4.13208

Qian Ye Department of Obstetrics, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Zhaoqing Hospital, Zhaoqing 526000, Guangdong, China
Shaoxin Kong Department of Obstetrics, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Zhaoqing Hospital, Zhaoqing 526000, Guangdong, China
Meifang Yuan Department of Obstetrics, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Zhaoqing Hospital, Zhaoqing 526000, Guangdong, China
Yinmei Huang Department of Obstetrics, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Zhaoqing Hospital, Zhaoqing 526000, Guangdong, China
Chunqi Hu Department of Obstetrics, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Zhaoqing Hospital, Zhaoqing 526000, Guangdong, China

DOI: https://doi.org/10.26689/ijgpn.v3i4.13208

Keywords: Magnesium sulfate, Wet compress therapy, Second stage of labor, Vaginal delivery, Perineal protection, Maternal and neonatal outcomes

Abstract

Objective: To investigate the effects of magnesium sulfate wet compress applied during the second stage of labor in vaginal delivery on maternal and neonatal outcomes, and to provide evidence for perineal protection in midwifery practice. Methods: In this retrospective cohort study, 117 women who delivered vaginally between September and October 2025 at the study center were enrolled. According to perineal management during the second stage of labor, participants were assigned to the magnesium sulfate wet compress group or the control group. Maternal outcomes (labor duration, perineal laceration rate, NRS pain score, perineal edema, and postpartum cold compress requirement) and neonatal outcomes (body length, birth weight, Apgar score, and transfer rate) were compared between groups. Results: There were no statistically significant differences in baseline characteristics between the two groups (P > 0.05). Compared with the control group, parturients in the observation group had significantly lower pain scores at 2 hours postpartum, as well as lower incidences of perineal edema and reduced demand for cold compress therapy; moreover, the rates of perineal laceration and episiotomy were significantly decreased (P < 0.05). No statistically significant differences were observed between the two groups with respect to neonatal length, birth weight, Apgar score, or neonatal transfer rate (P > 0.05). Conclusion: Magnesium sulfate wet compress during the second stage of labor is a safe and feasible intervention that effectively reduces perineal pain, edema, and birth-related perineal trauma without compromising neonatal outcomes. Larger randomized controlled studies are needed to confirm these findings.

References

Zang Y, Hu Y, Lu H, 2023, Effects of Different Techniques during the Second Stage of Labour on Reducing Perineal Laceration: An Overview of Systematic Reviews. Journal of Clinical Nursing, 32(7–8): 996–1013.

Luo C, 2012, Progress in Nursing Methods for Postpartum Perineal Edema. Journal of Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities, 34(3): 392–393.

Wang X, Du E, Yang D, 2024, Application Value of Continuous Group-based Management in Perineal Lacerations among Puerperae. Maternal and Child Health Care of China, 39(13): 2359–2362.

Qi T, Wei L, Xu Y, 2024, Application of a PDCA-based Bundled Intervention Strategy in Preventing Third- and Fourth-degree Perineal Lacerations. Chongqing Medicine, 53(14): 2237–2240.

Li H, Han H, Li X, et al., 2021, Observation of the Preventive Effect of Prophylactic 50% Magnesium Sulfate Wet Compress Combined with Microwave Physiotherapy on Mechanical Phlebitis in PICC Patients. Journal of Logistics University of PAP (Medical Edition), 30(10): 187–188.

Xu C, 2025, Effect of Thunder-fire Moxibustion Combined with Magnesium Sulfate Wet Compress on Postpartum Perineal Edema and Pain. Fujian Medical Journal, 47(7): 50–53.

Qin Y, Leng Q, Huang L, et al., 2025, Observation of the Effect of Magnesium Sulfate Medical Cold Compress on Perineal Edema and Pain in Women Undergoing Vaginal Delivery. Chinese Medical Science,15(5): 132–135.

Guo Y, Xu S, 2025, Effect of Magnesium Sulfate Wet Compress Combined with Perineal Lymphatic Drainage on Perineal Edema and Pain in Women after Vaginal Delivery. Maternal and Child Health Guide, 4(3): 90–93.

Steen M, Cooper K, 1997, A Tool for Assessing Perineal Trauma. Journal of Wound Care, 6(9): 432–436.

Huang Y, 2019, Effects of Planned Delivery Versus Natural Delivery on Vaginal Delivery Rate, Labor Duration, and Maternal Outcomes. Modern Digestion & Interventional Diagnosis and Treatment, 24(S1): 351–352.

Tan H, Xu X, Luo M, 2021, Application of Perineal Ice Packs in Preventing and Treating Perineal Incision Pain and Swelling. Journal of Qilu Nursing, 27(9): 135–137.

Cai F, 2021, Reflection on the Application of Modified Episiotomy in Primiparas Undergoing Vaginal Delivery to Reduce Incision Pain and Accelerate Healing. Chinese Community Doctors, 37(24): 61–62.

Mao M, Wang Z, Feng S, et al., 2017, Effect of Epidural Morphine Injection on Relieving Perineal Pain after Episiotomy. Journal of Clinical Anesthesiology, 33(9): 848–851.

Lai X, Wang L, Jiang D, et al., 2023, Clinical Effect of 75% Alcohol Gauze Combined with Magnesium Sulfate External Application in the Treatment of Severe Perineal Edema. Contemporary Medicine, 29(2): 25–27.