Perineal massage and warm compresses - Randomised controlled trial for reduce perineal trauma during labor.

Authors: Silvia Rodrigues, Paulo Silva, Fátima Rocha, Ligia Monterroso, João Neves Silva, Natacha Quintal de Sousa et al.Journal: MidwiferyPublished: August 21, 2023DOI: 10.1016/j.midw.2023.103763

Q2 JournalSJR: 1.15h-index: 30SCImago

Strong EvidenceRandomized Controlled Trialn=800 participants

Pregnancy Discomfort

In Plain Language: pregnancy, explained

This study evaluated how perineal massage and warm compresses affect women's perineal integrity during the second stage of labor. Researchers found that women who received these treatments had significantly fewer tears and a higher rate of intact perineum compared to those who did not. These findings are important because they suggest that simple, low-cost techniques can help reduce childbirth injuries.

Key Findings: what this randomised trial found about pregnancy

✓47% of the perineal massage group had intact perineum compared to 26.3% in the control group.
✓The rate of second-degree tears was 7.2% in the massage group vs 12.3% in the control group.
✓Obstetric anal sphincter injuries were 0.5% in the massage group vs 2.3% in the control group.

What This Means for You

For women considering childbirth, this study indicates that using perineal massage and warm compresses during labor can significantly lower the risk of perineal tearing, thus possibly leading to a smoother recovery post-delivery.

What This Means for Practitioners

Reflexology practitioners can incorporate perineal massage and warm compress techniques into their practice to better support pregnant women during labor, as this study highlights the benefits of these techniques in enhancing perineal health during childbirth.

Study Design: how this randomised trial was run

Blinding

open label

Control

active

Duration

single session

Sample Size

800 participants

Limitations: what it cannot tell you about pregnancy

The study was conducted at a single center, which may limit the generalizability of the findings. Additionally, factors such as the skill levels of those administering the techniques were not controlled.

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Pregnancy: common questions

What does this study say about pregnancy?

What did this study find?

47% of the perineal massage group had intact perineum compared to 26.3% in the control group. The rate of second-degree tears was 7.2% in the massage group vs 12.3% in the control group. Obstetric anal sphincter injuries were 0.5% in the massage group vs 2.3% in the control group.

How strong is this evidence?

This is a randomised trial and we rate its evidence strong. It covers 800 participants. It was published in Midwifery, a Q2 journal. This study is indexed here for context; it did not test reflexology itself.