Does Perineal Massage Prevent SVD Lacs? New Data.

Perineal trauma after vaginal birth is common, with approximately 9 of 10 women being affected. Second-degree perineal tears are twice as likely to occur in primiparous births, with a incidence of 40%! Obstetrical lacerations of all degrees can lead to significant physical and even psychological morbidity, and have been identified as an independent risk factor for sexual dysfunction- which could last up to 18 months after delivery. Can perineal massage help reduce the rate of obstetrical trauma at time of vaginal birth? In this episode, we will summarize a new publication from the AJOG which was released on Aug 10, 2023 (first released as an ePub at the end of 2022) and compare the results covered in that publication with a separate systematic review and meta-analysis published in Feb 2023 in a separate journal. Does antepartum perineal massage help? What about intrapartum perineal massage? The answer depends on who you ask/read? Listen in, and find out why.