Thesis (M.Sc.) - Cairo University - Faculty of Physical Therapy - Department of Physical Therapy for Gynecology and Obstetrics

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of Acupressure on post-partum constipation, 40 post- partum primiparous women in 2nd to 6th week, after vaginal delivery with episiotomy participated in this study , they all complained from postpartum constipation diagnosed by Rome III criteria and confirmed by obstetrician, their ages were ranged from 24 to 35 years, their body mass index (BMI) was ranged from 25.5 to 33kg/m2,they were randomly divided into 2 groups equal in number, (Group A) (study group) received morning acupressure for 45 minutes in addition to morning abdominal massage for 20 minutes as well as perineal self-acupressure during defecation and (group B) (control group) received morning abdominal massage only for 20 minutes as in group (A). All women in both groups received bowel care advice. After 6 consecutive days of treatment, Both groups recorded a statistical significant improvement in Patient Assessment Constipation-Quality Of Life(PAC-QOL), Patient Assessment Constipation-Symptom(PAC-SYM) when compared with their corresponding values measured at pre-treatment. But (group A) showed more improvement in all variables than (group B).Finally it can be concluded that both Acupressure and abdominal massage with bowel care advice lead to increase quality of life (QOL) and decrease severity of constipation symptoms in postpartum period

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