Authors (including presenting author) :
CHAU WPS(1), CHAN LSL(2), LAU LF(1), LAU SH(1)
Affiliation :
(1) Obstetrics & Gynecology, Kwong Wah Hospital, (2)Obstetrics & Gynecology, Kowloon West Cluster
Keyword 2: :
prenatal childbirth massage programme
Keyword 3: :
birth outcomes
Keyword 4: :
public hospital
Introduction :
Use of non-pharmacological pain during labour improve maternal experience and birth outcomes. Studies show that women who received childbirth massage during labour experienced reduced anxiety and less pain.
Since 2016, Kwong Wah Hospital has offered a two-hour prenatal childbirth massage programme for expectant parents at 36 weeks of pregnancy or later. The programme encourages partner participation and provides theoretical and practical techniques for them to practise at home and during labour.
Objectives :
To explore the efficacy of childbirth massage.
Methodology :
Quantitative descriptive design was employed to collect data from all women who participated in the prenatal massage programme and delivered at Kwong Wah Hospital (KWH) between January 2024 to December 2025. Women were invited to complete a survey before discharge to examine the birth outcomes, including maternal comfort, pain relief during labour, and the overall childbirth experience.
Result & Outcome :
Between January 2024 to December 2025, 148 pairs of expectant parents attended the prenatal childbirth massage programme, 125 gave birth at KWH, and 89 completed and returned the surveys. The response rate was 71%.
100% of expectant parents practised childbirth massage prenatally. 69 women reported they received massage during labour. Ninety-seven percent reported reduced anxiety (97%), less labour pain (92%), and a positive birth experience (98%). The results showed that women who had joined the prenatal childbirth massage programme and received childbirth massage during labour had better satisfaction and childbirth experiences. Further studies were recommended to include neonatal outcomes and explore partners’ experience. Expectant parents were recommended to attend the prenatal massage programme and practise at home and during childbirth to achieve the best birth outcomes and positive childbirth experiences.
