The Effect of Abdominal Massage on Jaundice and Defecation in Newborn Babies

Effects of Abdominal Massage Applied Once and Twice Daily in Phototherapy-Treated Term Newborns on Bilirubin Levels and Defecation: Randomized Controlled Trial

Hyperbilirubinemia is a common condition in term newborns and is often treated with phototherapy. It is thought that abdominal massage may increase bowel movements, thereby increasing the frequency of defecation and supporting bilirubin excretion.

This randomized controlled trial aimed to evaluate the effect of abdominal massage, applied once or twice daily using the Vimala technique, on transcutaneous bilirubin levels and defecation frequency in hyperbilirubinemia-affected term newborns receiving phototherapy in the neonatal intensive care unit.

The study was conducted in the neonatal intensive care unit of a university hospital between February 29, 2020, and August 17, 2023. A total of 35 newborns meeting the inclusion criteria were randomly divided into three groups. Group Massage-1 received 10 minutes of abdominal massage once daily before feeding for three days (n=12). Group Massage-2 received massage twice daily for the same duration (n=10). The control group received routine care (n=13).

Inclusion Criteria:

• Term newborns (37-42 weeks gestation)
• 2-10 days postpartum
• Diagnosed with hyperbilirubinemia
• Receiving phototherapy
• Fully orally fed.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Newborns with ABO incompatibility or Rh incompatibility.
• Diagnosed with direct hyperbilirubinemia.
• Genetic/metabolic diseases
• Infections within 24 hours
• With a need for fluid replacement
• Having skin anomalies
• Having abdominal disorders and surgery.