Perineal tears: prevention techniques

Antenatal Perineal Massage for Reducing Perineal Trauma

Beckman & Stock

Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews

Evidence shows that antenatal perineal massage can reduce the likelihood of perineal trauma and the need for episiotomy, particularly in first-time mothers.

Episiotomy to prevent OASI during instrumental delivery

Gachon et al.

American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 2025

One Examines whether episiotomy may reduce anal sphincter injury during instrumental birth in first-time mothers.

Warm perineal compresses during second stage of labor

Magoga et al.

European Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, 2019

Reviews evidence on warm compresses as a method for reducing perineal trauma during birth.

The OASI care bundle quality improvement project

Jurczuk et al.

International Urogynecology Journal, 2021

Shares lessons from implementing a care bundle to reduce obstetric anal sphincter injuries.

Manual protection of the perineum reduces obstetric anal sphincter ruptures

Leenskjold et al.

Danish Medical Journal, 2015

Reports on manual perineal protection as a strategy to reduce severe sphincter injuries.

Perineal techniques during the second stage of labour

Aasheim et al.

Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2017

Reviews techniques used during birth to reduce perineal trauma.

Perineal care

Frohlich & Kettle

BMJ Clinical Evidence, 2015

Summarises evidence and clinical considerations for preventing and managing perineal trauma.

Intrapartum bundles and interventions for reducing perineal trauma

Morganelli et al.

European Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, 2025

Reviews bundle-based and intrapartum interventions aimed at reducing vaginal birth-related perineal trauma.

Perineal techniques during second stage of labour and postpartum complications

Dwan et al.

Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2024

Updated Cochrane review on techniques used during birth to reduce perineal trauma and complications.

Two midwives during second stage of labour to reduce severe perineal trauma

Edqvist et al.

The Lancet, 2022

Evaluates whether having two midwives present during second stage reduces severe perineal trauma.

Position for women in the second stage of labour

Gupta et al.

Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2017

Examines how upright versus supine birth positions affect labour outcomes, including duration of second stage, delivery interventions, perineal trauma, and maternal and neonatal outcomes.