2018 Perineal Massage Publications

A study of 108 women in Nigeria demonstrate the value of perineal massage

Title: Effectiveness of antenatal perineal massage in reducing perineal trauma and post-partum morbidities: A randomized controlled trial.

This study’s objective is to assess the effectiveness of antennal perineal massage (APM) in decreasing perineal injuries and post-partum morbidities. 108 first-time mothers from Nigeria were included in the study. These women were divided into two groups with one group who received APM and the other group who did not receive APM. The study found that women who received APM had better chances of evading perineal injuries after childbirth. The need for episiotomy was also lower in this group. In addition, the incidence of flatus incontinence was also significantly less in this group. It was noted, though, that the occurrence of premature rupture of membranes, preterm labor, and birth asphyxia were similar in both groups.

Citation: J Obstet Gynaecol Res. 2018 Jul;44(7):1252-1258. doi: 10.1111/jog.13640
Link to the publication 

A literature review from Brazil about reducing perineal trauma during labor

Title: Scientific evidence on perineal trauma during labor: Integrative review.

The researchers from Brazil evaluated the evidence for management and preservation of the perineum during vaginal delivery. The reviewed ten research studies from various journal and medical databases and identified four categories: antenatal perineal care, perineal massage during the second stage of labor until the baby was vaginally delivered, manual perineal support during the expulsive stage of labor, and perineal hyaluronidase injection. The authors of the study concluded that perineal massage by expecting mothers or their partners during the last part of pregnancy is recommended for perineal protection. It is recommended that the perineal massage is done with perineal massage oil and other lubricants.

Citation: Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol. 2018 Apr;223:18-25. doi: 10.1016/j.ejogrb.2018.01.036.
Link to the publication