Efficacy of perineal massage during the second stage of labor for the prevention of perineal injury: A systematic review and meta‐analysis

Abstract

BackgroundNumerous interventions to reduce perineal trauma during childbirth have been studied in recent years, including perineal massage.ObjectiveTo determine the efficacy of perineal massage during the second stage of labor to prevent perineal damage.Search StrategySystematic search in PubMed, Pedro, Scopus, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, BioMed, SpringerLink, EBSCOhost, CINAHL, and MEDLINE with the terms Massage, Second labor stage, Obstetric delivery, and Parturition.Selection CriteriaThe articles must have been published in the last 10 years; the perineal massage was administered to the study sample; and the experimental design consisted of randomized controlled trial.Data Collection and AnalysisTables were used to describe both the studies' characteristics and the extracted data. The PEDro and Jadad scales were used to assess the quality of studies.Main ResultsOf the 1172 total results identified, nine were selected. Seven studies were included in the meta‐analysis and indicated a statistically significant decreased number of episiotomies in perineal massage.ConclusionsMassage during the second stage of labor appears to be effective in preventing episiotomies and reducing the duration of the second stage of labor. However, it does not appear to be effective in reducing the incidence and severity of perineal tears.

Midwives' approach to the prevention and repair of obstetric perineal trauma in Spain

“…In response to the significant issues associated with perineal trauma post‐childbirth, various interventions have been implemented for prevention and minimization (Aasheim et al., 2017 ; Fretheim et al., 2013 ; Kopas, 2014 ; Marcos‐Rodríguez et al., 2023 ; Martínez et al., 2021 ). Notably, the avoidance of routine episiotomy is strongly advocated in most guidelines (World Health Organization, 2018 ), as restrictive episiotomy practices have not been linked to foetal acidosis or adverse infant outcomes (FIGO Safe Motherhood and Newborn Health (SMNH) Committee, 2012 ; Friedman et al., 2015 ; Hidalgo‐Lopezosa et al., 2016 ).…”

Effects of Perineal Warm Compresses during the Second Stage of Labor on Reducing Perineal Trauma and Relieving Postpartum Perineal Pain in Primiparous Women: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses

“…Numerous midwifery techniques [22] have been suggested as effective ways to enhance the positive experience of normal birth such as hands-on/off [23], perineal massage [24], and heat therapy, including warm perineal compresses. Perineal warm compresses refer to placing warm packs in the perineum during the second stage of labor [25] to alleviate the local muscle tension, increase the blood circulation, and thereby improve maternal comfort.…”

Massage for rehabilitation after total knee arthroplasty: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

“…To date, in comparison with traditional rehabilitation methods following TKA such as manual lymphatic drainage and continuous passive movement [8], massage exhibits unique characteristics and has demonstrated favorable efficacy across various disease fields [9,10]. Similarly, many randomized controlled clinical trials have investigated the effects of massage on postoperative rehabilitation after TKA, but the results are diverse, and there is no clear consensus [11][12][13][14][15].…”