Effect of perineal massage in the second stage of labour, on the incidence of episiotomy and perineal tears

Abinaya Raja; Pallavee P.; Rupal Samal

doi:10.18203/2320-1770.ijrcog20191186

Authors

Abinaya Raja Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mahatma Gandhi Medical College and Research Institute, Sri Balaji Vidyapeeth University, Puducherry, India
Pallavee P. Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mahatma Gandhi Medical College and Research Institute, Sri Balaji Vidyapeeth University, Puducherry, India
Rupal Samal Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mahatma Gandhi Medical College and Research Institute, Sri Balaji Vidyapeeth University, Puducherry, India

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18203/2320-1770.ijrcog20191186

Keywords:

Episiotomy, Intact perineum, Perineal massage, Perineal tear, Second stage labour

Abstract

Background: This study aimed to investigate whether perineal massage during second stage of labour could decrease perineal trauma in the form of episiotomy and perineal tears.

Methods: One hundred and fifty term antenatal women in labour were randomly assigned to two groups, one of which received perineal massage and the other received routine care during the second stage. Frequency of episiotomies, perineal tears, intact perineums, degrees of perineal tears, duration of second stage of labour and perineal pain after 24 hours was compared.

Results: Perineal massage was efficient in reducing incidence of episiotomy, duration of second stage of labour and perineal pain assessed 24 hours after delivery. The frequency of perineal tears and intact perineums did not differ significantly. Perineal massage was protective against severe form of third degree perineal tears.

Conclusions: Authors suggest that perineal massage can be routinely practiced by health professionals to improve quality of life in women post vaginal delivery.

Metrics

Metrics Loading ...

References

Kalichman L. Perineal massage to prevent perineal trauma in childbirth. Isr Med Assoc J. 2008;10:531-3.

Mei-dan E, Walfisch A, Raz I, Levy A, Hallak M. Perineal massage during pregnancy: a prospective controlled trial. Isr Med Assoc J. 2008;10:499-502.

Eogan M, Daly L, O'Herlihy C. The effect of regular antenatal perineal massage on postnatal pain and anal sphincter injury: a prospective observational study. J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med. 2006;19:225-9.

Aasheim V, Nilsen AB, Lukasse M, Reinar LM. Perineal techniques during the second stage of labour for reducing perineal trauma. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2011;(12):CD006672.

Davidson K, Jacoby S, Brown MS. Prenatal perineal massage: preventing lacerations during delivery. J Obstet Gynecol Neonatal Nurs. 2000;29:474-9.

Johanson R. Perineal massage for prevention of perineal trauma in childbirth. Lancet. 2000;355:250-1.

Demirel G, Golbasi Z. Effect of perineal massage on the rate of episiotomy and perineal tearing. Int J Gynaecol Obstet. 2015;131:183-6.

Sultan AH, Takar R. Lower genital tract and anal sphincter trauma. Best Pract Res Clin Obstet Gynaecol. 2002;16:99-116.

Karaçam Z, Ekmen H, Caliẟir H. The use of perineal massage in the second stage of labour and follow-up of postpartum perineal outcomes. Health Care Women Int. 2012;33:697-718.

Stamp G, Kruzins G, Crowther C. Perineal massage in labour and prevention of perineal trauma: randomised controlled trial. BMJ. 2001;322:1277-80.

Zare O, Pasha H, Faramarzi M. Effect of perineal massage on the incidence of episiotomy and perineal laceration. Health. 2014;6:10.

Albers LL, Sedler KD, Bedrick EJ, Teaf D, Peralta P. Midwifery care measures in the second stage of labour and reduction of genital tract trauma at birth: a randomized trial. J Midwifery Womens Health. 2005;50:365-72.

Hastings-Tolsma M, Vincent D, Emeis C, Francisco T. Getting through birth in one piece: protecting the perineum. MCN Am J Matern Child Nurs. 2007;32:158-64.

Geranmayeh M, Rezaei Habibabadi Z, Fallahkish B, Farahani MA, Khakbazan Z, Mehran A. Reducing perineal trauma through perineal massage with vaseline in second stage of labour. Arch Gynecol Obstet. 2012;285:77-81.