| Women who massage their perineums during last few weeks of pregnancy have fewer episiotomies and tears than other women. |
Citation/s:
Antenatal perineal massage for reducing perineal trauma
Lead author's name and fax: Beckmann MM, Garrett AJ
Three-part Clinical Question:
Population: Women in last few weeks of pregnancy;
Intervention perineal massage
Outcome reduction in episiotomy and perineal tears
Search Terms: The Cochrane Library: (perineal or perineum) and (massage or massaging)
The Review:
Data Sources: : Cochrane Library,
Study Selection: Randomised controlled trials evaluating any described method of antenatal perineal massage undertaken for at least the last four weeks of pregnancy
Data Extraction: Two reviewers independently applied the selection criteria, extracted data from the included studies and assessed study quality.
They contacted authors for additional information.
The studies were multiple independent reviews of individual reports. They were tested for heterogeneity.
The Evidence:
| Outcome | Time to Outcome | Typical CER | Typical OR | RRR | NNT | p Value |
| Perineal trauma requiring suturing | 0.68 | .73 | 11% | 14 | 0.001 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 95% Confidence Intervals: | .60 to .80 | 8 to 20 | ||||
| Incidence of episiotomy | 0.292 | 0.79 | 16% | 22 | 0.01 | |
| 95% Confidence Intervals: | 0.65 to 0.96 | 12 to 120 | ||||
Comments:
Perineal massage which can be done by pregnant women or their partners is simple and non invasive .Woman or partner performed daily 5-10 minutes perineal massage from 34 weeks. 1-2 fingers
were introduced 3-4 cm in the vagina, applying alternately downward pressure and sideward pressure, using sweet almond oil.
There was greater effect for women having their first baby, mostly by reducing their risk of an episiotomy. The trials were methodologically good, so their combined results are likely to be
sound. Further trials are needed in women who have given birth vaginally before.
Appraised by: Dr Tanu
and
Dr Pallavi Latthe; 23 April 2006
Email: drtanusingh11@yahoo.co.uk
Kill or Update By:
April 2008
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