Antenatal Perineal Massage for the Prevention of Perineal Trauma: Randomized Pilot Study
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.12707/RVI25.69.43015Keywords:
massage, perineum, episiotomy, lacerations, nurse midwivesAbstract
Background: Although antenatal perineal massage is reported to reduce trauma, it remains under-researched in Portugal.
Objective: To assess the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary effect of antenatal perineal massage in preventing perineal trauma among women with normal deliveries and to describe knowledge of this technique.
Methodology: A pilot randomized, controlled study was conducted in primary care. Low-risk pregnant women participated; out of 66 eligible women, 63 were recruited and randomized, with 34 assigned to the intervention group and 29 to the control group. For outcome analysis, 24 women with normal deliveries (12 from each group) were included.
Results: The recruitment rate was 95.5%, and the dropout 6.3%. Despite limited knowledge, adherence to massage reached 72.99%. The intervention group experienced fewer cases of perineal trauma, although this was not statistically significant. Eleven-minute sessions over 5–6 weeks indicated a trend toward reduced trauma.
Conclusion: Antenatal perineal massage was feasible and well received. The findings support the need for larger clinical trials to verify its preventive benefits.
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References
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