Enhancing Knowledge and Skills of Second-Trimester Pregnant Women through Education and Demonstration of Perineal Massage Using Olive Oil at Sarpi’ina Sinambela Clinic

Abstract

Pregnancy is a physiological process accompanied by anatomical and hormonal changes that prepare women for childbirth. One of the most common complications during vaginal delivery is perineal rupture, which may cause postpartum pain, bleeding, infection, pelvic floor dysfunction, and reduced maternal quality of life. A non-pharmacological approach to prevent this condition is perineal massage using olive oil, which helps improve perineal tissue elasticity. This community service activity aimed to improve the knowledge and skills of second-trimester pregnant women through education and demonstration of perineal massage at Sarpi’ina Sinambela Clinic. The study used a pre-experimental design with a one-group pretest-posttest approach involving 50 pregnant women selected through total sampling. Data were collected using knowledge questionnaires and skill observation checklists before and after the intervention. The results showed an increase in the mean knowledge score from 62.4 to 85.7 with a mean difference of 23.3, and an improvement in skill level from 24% to 84% of participants being able to perform perineal massage correctly. Statistical analysis indicated a p-value of 0.000, showing a significant difference between pretest and posttest results. In conclusion, education and demonstration of perineal massage using olive oil were effective in improving pregnant women’s knowledge and skills in preventing perineal rupture. This program is expected to enhance maternal preparedness for childbirth and support safer and more comfortable delivery outcomes..