Effects of perineal massage during childbirth on maternal and neonatal outcomes in primiparous women: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Q: What does this study say about pregnancy?

For women considering perineal massage during childbirth, this treatment may significantly reduce the risk of perineal tears and the need for interventions such as episiotomy, making childbirth less traumatic.

Q: How strong is this evidence?

This is a meta-analysis and we rate its evidence strong. It covers 3,248 participants. It was published in International journal of nursing studies, a Q1 journal. This study is indexed here for context; it did not test reflexology itself.

Q: What are the limitations of this study?

The study emphasizes the need for high-quality research on the standardized procedure of perineal massage and does not demonstrate significant benefits on neonatal outcomes.

Authors: Yuxuan Li, Chongkun Wang, Hong Lu, Linlin Cao, Xiu Zhu, Aihua Wang et al.Journal: International journal of nursing studiesPublished: February 7, 2023DOI: 10.1016/j.ijnurstu.2022.104390

Q1 JournalSJR: 2h-index: 75SCImago

Strong EvidenceMeta Analysisn=3248 participants

Pregnancy Discomfort

In Plain Language: pregnancy, explained

A systematic review explored the effects of perineal massage during childbirth on mothers and their newborns. The study found that such massage can help prevent injuries to the perineum and reduce complications during labor, which is significant for improving maternal and neonatal health outcomes.

Key Findings: what this meta-analysis found about pregnancy

✓Perineal massage during the second stage of labor doubles the incidence of intact perineum (RR = 2.78).
✓Reduces second- and third-degree lacerations significantly (P < 0.05).
✓Decreases the incidence of episiotomy (RR = 0.63).

What This Means for You

For women considering perineal massage during childbirth, this treatment may significantly reduce the risk of perineal tears and the need for interventions such as episiotomy, making childbirth less traumatic.

What This Means for Practitioners

Reflexology practitioners can inform clients about the benefits of perineal massage during the second stage of labor, as it has been shown to improve perineal outcomes and may enhance their overall childbirth experience.

Study Design: how this meta-analysis was run

Blinding

open label

Control

none

Duration

Various stages of labor

Sample Size

3248 participants

Limitations: what it cannot tell you about pregnancy

The study emphasizes the need for high-quality research on the standardized procedure of perineal massage and does not demonstrate significant benefits on neonatal outcomes.

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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 doubles the incidence of intact perineum (RR = 2.78). Reduces second- and third-degree lacerations significantly (P < 0.05). Decreases the incidence of episiotomy (RR = 0.63).

How strong is this evidence?

This is a meta-analysis and we rate its evidence strong. It covers 3,248 participants. It was published in International journal of nursing studies, a Q1 journal. This study is indexed here for context; it did not test reflexology itself.

What are the limitations of this study?

The study emphasizes the need for high-quality research on the standardized procedure of perineal massage and does not demonstrate significant benefits on neonatal outcomes.