Intervention shortened first urination time by 26.31 sec vs routine care.

Maternal comfort scores improved significantly across physiological, psychosocial, and sociocultural dimensions.

Residual urine volume decreased by 63.16 mL in test group vs control.

No increased postpartum hemorrhage risk observed with the intervention.

Postpartum urinary retention (PUR) is a frequent complication following epidural anesthesia in primiparous women, elevating the risk of urinary tract infections and long-term bladder dysfunction. This study aimed to investigate the efficacy of a self-heating traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) hot pack in preventing PUR and enhancing postpartum maternal comfort.

Eighty primigravid women receiving epidural anesthesia were randomly assigned to a control group receiving standard postpartum care, or a test group receiving standard care plus application of a self-heating TCM hot pack for 4 h. Key measures included time to first urination, voiding volume, residual urine volume, incidence of PUR, and maternal comfort assessed using Kolcaba's comfort scale 6–8 h after delivery.

The incidence of PUR was significantly lower in the test group (2.56 %) compared to the control group (12.5 %). Participants using the TCM hot pack exhibited a markedly shorter time to first void, increased voiding volume, and significantly higher overall and dimensional comfort scores (all P < 0.05). No significant differences were found in 24-h vaginal bleeding or rates of postpartum hemorrhage.

The use of a self-heating TCM hot pack was associated with a reduced incidence of PUR and increased maternal comfort in this study, suggesting it may be a beneficial intervention for postpartum care. However, the specific contributions of thermal versus herbal components remain unclear. These findings indicate a simple and safe approach that warrants further investigation to confirm its efficacy and potential cost-effectiveness.

Epidural anesthesia

Postpartum urinary retention

Traditional Chinese medicine

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