Effects of perineal massage at different stages on perineal and postpartum pelvic floor function in primiparous women: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Q: What does this study say about pregnancy?

For individuals considering reflexology treatment, this study suggests that perineal massage can be a beneficial intervention during labor for reducing pain and preventing perineal injuries. It emphasizes the importance of such treatments for first-time mothers in managing postpartum recovery effectively.

Q: How strong is this evidence?

This is a meta-analysis and we rate its evidence moderate. It covers 1,057 participants. It was published in BMC pregnancy and childbirth, 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 study's limitations include variability in the timing of perineal massage application and reliance on self-reported measures, which may introduce bias.

Authors: Jinzhu Yin, Yun Chen, Meiling Huang, Zhongyan Cao, Ziyan Jiang, Yao LiJournal: BMC pregnancy and childbirthPublished: June 4, 2024DOI: 10.1186/s12884-024-06586-w

Q2 JournalSJR: 1.123h-index: 50SCImago

Moderate EvidenceMeta Analysisn=1057 participants

Pregnancy Discomfort

In Plain Language: pregnancy, explained

A study evaluated the effects of perineal massage during pregnancy and labor on reducing injuries to the perineum in first-time mothers. The findings indicated that perineal massage can significantly lower perineal pain immediately after birth and improve pelvic floor function in the postpartum period. These results suggest that incorporating perineal massage into prenatal care could enhance maternal health outcomes.

Key Findings: what this meta-analysis found about pregnancy

✓Perineal massage during the second stage of labor reduced perineal pain with a mean difference of -2.29 (P < 0.001).
✓Antenatal perineal massage statistically reduced fecal incontinence (P = 0.04) and flatus incontinence (P = 0.01) at three months postpartum.
✓No significant effect was found on urinary incontinence three months postpartum (P = 0.80).

What This Means for You

For individuals considering reflexology treatment, this study suggests that perineal massage can be a beneficial intervention during labor for reducing pain and preventing perineal injuries. It emphasizes the importance of such treatments for first-time mothers in managing postpartum recovery effectively.

What This Means for Practitioners

Reflexology practitioners can integrate perineal massage techniques into their practices, particularly for expectant mothers. This evidence supports the use of such massage as a proactive measure to reduce pain and prevent injuries, thereby enhancing maternal care during labor.

Study Design: how this meta-analysis was run

Blinding

open label

Control

none

Duration

varied across studies

Sample Size

1057 participants

Limitations: what it cannot tell you about pregnancy

The study's limitations include variability in the timing of perineal massage application and reliance on self-reported measures, which may introduce bias.

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Pregnancy: common questions

What does this study say about pregnancy?

What did this study find?

Perineal massage during the second stage of labor reduced perineal pain with a mean difference of -2.29 (P < 0.001). Antenatal perineal massage statistically reduced fecal incontinence (P = 0.04) and flatus incontinence (P = 0.01) at three months postpartum. No significant effect was found on urinary incontinence three months postpartum (P = 0.80).

How strong is this evidence?

This is a meta-analysis and we rate its evidence moderate. It covers 1,057 participants. It was published in BMC pregnancy and childbirth, a Q2 journal. This study is indexed here for context; it did not test reflexology itself.

What are the limitations of this study?

The study's limitations include variability in the timing of perineal massage application and reliance on self-reported measures, which may introduce bias.