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The Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology of India

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01-12-2014 | Original Article

A Comparison of the “Hands-Off” and “Hands-On” Methods to Reduce Perineal Lacerations: A Randomised Clinical Trial

Authors: Rozita Rezaei, Sussan Saatsaz, Yiong Huak Chan, Hamid Sharif Nia

Published in: The Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology of India | Issue 6/2014

Abstract

Objective

The objective of the current study was to compare the “Hands-off” and “Hands-on” methods to reduce perineal lacerations.

Method

We conducted a randomized controlled trial to compare the effectiveness of two techniques for perineum protection during spontaneous delivery. Study participants included 600 nulliparous expectant mothers, who were divided equally between the “hands off” and “hands on” groups (n_300 per group).

Findings

A total of 147 (49 %) women in the “Hands-on” and 143 women (47.7 %) in the “Hand -off” groups encountered perineal trauma (p = 0.74). In the “Hands-on” group, 8 women (2.7 %) experienced a third degree trauma compared with (0.3 %) that in the “Hands-off” method (p = 0.1).

Episiotomy was performed on 38 women (12.7 %) from the “Hands-on” and 17 (5.7 %) women from the “Hands-off” (p = 0.003) groups. In addition, 28 women (9.3 %) from the “Hands-on” group and 47 women (15.7 %) from the “Hands-off” group experienced periurethral tears (p = 0.01) that did not need mending.

Conclusion

Application of the “Hands-off” method for vaginal delivery has a positive effect on the mother’s health because of the reduction of Episiotomy and third degree tearing. Therefore, we conclude that the “Hands-off” method offers a safer alternative for perineal control during labor.

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Title: A Comparison of the “Hands-Off” and “Hands-On” Methods to Reduce Perineal Lacerations: A Randomised Clinical Trial
Authors: Rozita Rezaei
Sussan Saatsaz
Yiong Huak Chan
Hamid Sharif Nia
Publication date: 01-12-2014
Publisher: Springer India
Published in: The Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology of India / Issue 6/2014
Print ISSN: 0971-9202
Electronic ISSN: 0975-6434
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s13224-014-0535-2

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

A Comparison of the “Hands-Off” and “Hands-On” Methods to Reduce Perineal Lacerations: A Randomised Clinical Trial

Abstract

Objective

Method

Findings

Conclusion

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Objective

Method

Findings

Conclusion

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