Perineal massage during labor: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.
Strong EvidenceIn Plain Language: pregnancy, explained
This study examined whether perineal massage during vaginal delivery can reduce the incidence of severe perineal trauma, such as significant lacerations. The findings revealed that women who received perineal massage had a 51% lower risk of severe perineal trauma compared to those who did not receive the massage. These results suggest that perineal massage could be an effective technique to minimize injury during childbirth.
Key Findings: what this meta-analysis found about pregnancy
- ✓Perineal massage led to a 51% reduction in severe perineal trauma (RR 0.49, 95% CI 0.25-0.94).
- ✓The incidence of intact perineum was 40% higher in the massage group (RR 1.40, 95% CI 1.01-1.93).
- ✓Episiotomy rates were 44% lower in the massage group (RR 0.56, 95% CI 0.38-0.82).
- ✓The study included nine trials with a total of 3374 participants.
What This Means for You
For women considering vaginal delivery, this study indicates that receiving perineal massage may significantly lower the risk of severe perineal lacerations and enhance the chances of having an intact perineum during the birth process.
What This Means for Practitioners
Reflexology practitioners can incorporate the findings of this study by advising their clients on the benefits of perineal massage during labor, emphasizing its role in reducing the risk of severe perineal trauma.
Study Design: how this meta-analysis was run
Limitations: what it cannot tell you about pregnancy
The primary limitation of this study is the variability in the techniques and settings of perineal massage across the included trials.
Pregnancy: common questions
What does this study say about pregnancy?
For women considering vaginal delivery, this study indicates that receiving perineal massage may significantly lower the risk of severe perineal lacerations and enhance the chances of having an intact perineum during the birth process.
What did this study find?
Perineal massage led to a 51% reduction in severe perineal trauma (RR 0.49, 95% CI 0.25-0.94). The incidence of intact perineum was 40% higher in the massage group (RR 1.40, 95% CI 1.01-1.93). Episiotomy rates were 44% lower in the massage group (RR 0.56, 95% CI 0.38-0.82).
How strong is this evidence?
This is a meta-analysis and we rate its evidence strong. It covers 3,374 participants. It was published in The journal of maternal-fetal & neonatal medicine : the official journal of the European Association of Perinatal Medicine, the Federation of Asia and Oceania Perinatal Societies, the International Society of Perinatal Obstetricians, a Q2 journal. This study is indexed here for context; it did not test reflexology itself.
What are the limitations of this study?
The primary limitation of this study is the variability in the techniques and settings of perineal massage across the included trials.
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