Obstetric; Injury Pelvic Floor
Conditions
Keywords
Perineal trauma, Episiotomy, Perineal massage, Laceration
Brief summary
The purpose of this study is to evaluate whether perineal massage during labor can help prevent perineal trauma, such as lacerations or episiotomies. The study will test two hypotheses: Null hypothesis: Perineal massage during labor does not prevent perineal trauma. Alternative hypothesis: Perineal massage during labor helps prevent perineal trauma. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups: Perineal massage group: Participants will receive perineal massage during labor. Control group: Participants will receive the standard care provided by the labor and delivery unit. A randomization process will be used to assign participants to each group.
Interventions
PROCEDUREPerineal massage
Perineal massage will be performed during labor, either between or during contractions, regardless of the position chosen by the laboring woman. The researcher, wearing gloves, will insert one or two fingers (index and middle) into the participant's vaginal canal and move them from side to side in a U-shaped motion, for approximately one second in each direction. Light downward pressure will be applied toward the rectum, according to the woman's tolerance, until relaxation of the massaged perineal muscles is observed. A water-based lubricant will be used to facilitate the procedure. The massage will last no longer than 5 minutes.
Sponsors
Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul
Study design
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
PREVENTION
Masking
SINGLE (Outcomes Assessor)
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
FEMALE
Age
18 Years to 50 Years
Healthy volunteers
Yes
Inclusion criteria
* Patients currently in labor * Gestational age between 37 and 42 weeks * Fetus presenting in cephalic position * No prior perineal massage performed during prenatal care
Exclusion criteria
* Patients who progress to cesarean delivery * Diagnosis of HELLP syndrome * Unstable vital signs of the laboring woman or fetus
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Incidence of perineal trauma (laceration or episiotomy) during vaginal delivery | At the time of delivery | The presence and degree of perineal trauma will be assessed after delivery by the attending healthcare provider. Trauma will be classified by the presence of spontaneous perineal lacerations (graded I to IV) and/or performance of episiotomy. |
Countries
Brazil
Contacts
Primary ContactGabriela Plentz Stein
Outcome results
None listed