Combined Foot Massage and Warm Saltwater Soaking for Pregnancy Related Leg Edema: A Quasi-Experimental Study

Meika Jaya Rochkmana; Fitria Hikmatul Ulya; Risma Sabrina

doi:10.21070/midwiferia.v12i2.1916

Authors

Meika Jaya Rochkmana Universitas Karya Husada Semarang, Jawa Tengah, Indonesia
Fitria Hikmatul Ulya Universitas Karya Husada Semarang, Jawa Tengah, Indonesia
Risma Sabrina Universitas Karya Husada Semarang, Jawa Tengah, Indonesia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.21070/midwiferia.v12i2.1916

Keywords:

edema, foot massage, warm saltwater soaking, pregnancy, third trimester

Abstract

Introduction: Edema in third trimester of pregnancy occurs due to compression of pelvic veins and retention of interstitial fluid. Combination foot massage and warm saline foot soaks can facilitate peripheral venous return and reabsorption of interstitial fluid into systemic circulation.

Methods: Quasi experimental, nonequivalent pretest-posttest control group, sample 76 women experiencing mild to moderate physiological edema. Participants were recruited sequentially and divided into an intervention group (n=38) and control group (n=38). Intervention group received gentle foot massage using centripetal strokes for 20 minutes, followed by warm saline foot soak (30g Epsom salt in water at 38°C) for 10 minutes and five consecutive days, alongside routine antenatal care. Control group received only routine antenatal counseling. Circumferences of the ankle, heel, and foot were measured before and after the 5-day protocol using standardized non-elastic flexible measuring tape. Data were analyzed using Wilcoxon signed-rank test and Mann-Whitney U test.

Results Both groups showed reduction in foot circumference measurements (p < 0.001). Intervention group demonstrated significantly greater mean reduction compared to control group across all measurement points: ankle (1.28 cm vs 0.21 cm), heel (1.30 cm vs 0.25 cm), and foot (1.00 cm vs 0.20 cm). Calculated effect size was large for all measurement locations (r = 0.848–0.856).

Conclusion: Combination edema massage and warm-water salt foot baths have significant effect on circumference of the ankles, heels, and feet compared to routine antenatal counseling alone, with measurable magnitude of effect on these circumferences.

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