Antenatal perineal massage benefits in reducing perineal trauma and postpartum morbidities: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Q: What does this study say about pregnancy?

For women considering childbirth, opting for antenatal perineal massage could potentially decrease the likelihood of severe perineal tears and related postpartum issues, contributing to a smoother recovery.

Q: How strong is this evidence?

This is a randomised trial and we rate its evidence strong. It covers 3,467 participants. It was published in International urogynecology journal, a Q2 journal. This study is indexed here for context; it did not test reflexology itself.

Q: What are the limitations of this study?

The findings may not be generalizable to all populations as the studies included may have different methodologies and settings.

Authors: Ahmed Mohamed Abdelhakim, Elsayed Eldesouky, Ibrahim Abo Elmagd, Attia Mohammed, Elsayed Aly Farag, Abd Elhalim Mohammed et al.Journal: International urogynecology journalPublished: June 23, 2021DOI: 10.1007/s00192-020-04302-8

Q2 JournalSJR: 1.224h-index: 85SCImago

Strong EvidenceRandomized Controlled Trialn=3467 participants

Pregnancy Discomfort

In Plain Language: pregnancy, explained

A study investigated whether antenatal perineal massage can reduce the chances of perineal trauma during childbirth. The results showed that this type of massage significantly lowers the risk of severe tears and complications after giving birth, making it an important practice for expectant mothers.

Key Findings: what this randomised trial found about pregnancy

✓Lower incidence of episiotomies (RR = 0.79, p < 0.001)
✓Reduced perineal tears (RR = 0.79, p = 0.007)
✓Improved wound healing reported in the massage group
✓Reduced second stage of labor duration (p = 0.005)
✓Significant improvement in Apgar scores at 1 and 5 minutes (p = 0.01 and p = 0.02)

What This Means for You

For women considering childbirth, opting for antenatal perineal massage could potentially decrease the likelihood of severe perineal tears and related postpartum issues, contributing to a smoother recovery.

What This Means for Practitioners

Reflexology practitioners can encourage expectant mothers to use antenatal perineal massage as a tool to reduce the risk of severe perineal trauma during delivery, enhancing their overall care approach.

Study Design: how this randomised trial was run

Blinding

open label

Control

none

Duration

various

Sample Size

3467 participants

Limitations: what it cannot tell you about pregnancy

The findings may not be generalizable to all populations as the studies included may have different methodologies and settings.

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Pregnancy: common questions

What does this study say about pregnancy?

What did this study find?

Lower incidence of episiotomies (RR = 0.79, p < 0.001). Reduced perineal tears (RR = 0.79, p = 0.007). Improved wound healing reported in the massage group.

How strong is this evidence?

This is a randomised trial and we rate its evidence strong. It covers 3,467 participants. It was published in International urogynecology journal, a Q2 journal. This study is indexed here for context; it did not test reflexology itself.