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International Urogynecology Journal

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01-10-2011 | Original Article

Hands on or hands off the perineum: a survey of care of the perineum in labour (HOOPS)

Authors: Ruben Trochez, Malcolm Waterfield, Robert M. Freeman

Published in: International Urogynecology Journal | Issue 10/2011

Abstract

Introduction and hypothesis

There seems to be a temporal association between increasing use of “hands off” the perineum in labour and reduced use of episiotomy with an increasing rate of anal sphincter injuries. We aimed to determine how common the practice of “hands off” the perineum is.

Methods

An observational postal questionnaire study of 1,000 midwives in England in which the main objective was to obtain an estimate of the number of midwives practising either “hands on” or “hands off” was conducted.

Results

Six hundred and seven questionnaires were returned; 299 (49.3%, 95% CI 45.2–53.3%) midwives prefer the “hands-off” method. Less-experienced midwives were more likely to prefer the “hands off” (72% vs. 41.4%, p < 0.001). A higher proportion of midwives in the “hands-off” group would never do an episiotomy (37.1% vs. 24.4%, p = 0.001) for indications other than fetal distress.

Conclusions

The “hands off” the perineum technique is prevalent in the management of labour. We hypothesise that a possible consequence might be an increased incidence of obstetric anal sphincter injury.

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Title: Hands on or hands off the perineum: a survey of care of the perineum in labour (HOOPS)
Authors: Ruben Trochez
Malcolm Waterfield
Robert M. Freeman
Publication date: 01-10-2011
Publisher: Springer-Verlag
Published in: International Urogynecology Journal / Issue 10/2011
Print ISSN: 0937-3462
Electronic ISSN: 1433-3023
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00192-011-1454-8

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Hands on or hands off the perineum: a survey of care of the perineum in labour (HOOPS)

Abstract

Introduction and hypothesis

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on sleep in brain health

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Introduction and hypothesis

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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