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06-09-2024 | Episiotomy | Original Article

The Effect of Perineum Massage Applied With and Without an Instrument in the Active Phase of Labor Birth Outcomes: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Authors: Meryem Metinoğlu, Nezihe Kızılkaya Beji

Published in: International Urogynecology Journal

Abstract

Introduction and Hypothesis

Perineal massage during labor reduces the need for episiotomy and shortens the length of the episiotomy. Pregnant women should be offered instrumented (EPI-NO) or manual perineal massage in labor. This study was conducted to determine the effect of perineal massage applied with (EPI-NO) and without an instrument during the active phase of labor on episiotomy rate and episiotomy length in women who gave birth vaginally.

Methods

The study included 101 pregnant women aged 18–35 years, with gestational ages between 38 and 42 weeks and indications for vaginal delivery. Participants were randomly assigned to one of three groups: EPI-NO massage, manual massage, and control. The perineal massage was administered during the active labor phase (4- to 8-cm dilation) for 20 min in the intervention groups. Postpartum episiotomy rates and lengths were recorded using standardized forms. The research data were collected using the Introductory Information Form and Birth Assessment Form.

Results

The episiotomy rate was found to be 33.3% in group I, 75.0% in group II, and 74.4% in the Control group, and a statistically significant difference was found between the groups (p = 0.001; p < 0.01). The mean episiotomy length of the women was 1.5 cm (mean ± SD: 1.50 ± 1.20) for group I, 3 cm (mean ± SD 2.70 ± 1.50) for group II, and 3.5 cm (mean ± SD 3.10 ± 2.00) for the control group (p < 0.000).

Conclusion

Perineal massage with EPI-NO was the most effective method at decreasing the episiotomy rate and shortening the episiotomy length compared with other groups.

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Title: The Effect of Perineum Massage Applied With and Without an Instrument in the Active Phase of Labor Birth Outcomes: A Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Meryem Metinoğlu
Nezihe Kızılkaya Beji
Publication date: 06-09-2024
Publisher: Springer International Publishing
Keywords: Episiotomy
Massage
Published in: International Urogynecology Journal
Print ISSN: 0937-3462
Electronic ISSN: 1433-3023
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00192-024-05901-5

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on modern management of frailty

Springer Medicine

The Effect of Perineum Massage Applied With and Without an Instrument in the Active Phase of Labor Birth Outcomes: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Abstract

Introduction and Hypothesis

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on modern management of frailty

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Introduction and Hypothesis

Methods

Results

Conclusion

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