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Methods of preventing perineal injury and dysfunction during pregnancy

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eMediNexus    11 March 2019

A new study published in Gynecology Obstetrics Fertility & Senology evaluated the effectiveness of prenatal perineal massage, use of the Epi-No device, and pelvic floor muscle training exercises during pregnancy. This study entailed a systematic review of the literature from PubMed published before May 2018, to evaluate the effectiveness of these various interventions on perineal protection in the post-partum period. The findings revealed that perineal massage during pregnancy diminishes the episiotomy rate as well as post-partum perineal pain and flatus. However, it does not reduce the rate of obstetric anal sphincter injuries (OASIS) or post-partum urinary incontinence. While Epi-No device does not provide benefits for perineal protection. Prenatal pelvic floor muscle training exercises do not reduce the risk of perineal lacerations; they reduce the prevalence of post-partum urinary incontinence at 3-6 months, but not at 12 months post-partum. From the results, it was recommended that perineal massage during pregnancy must be encouraged among women who want it. The use of the Epi-No device during pregnancy is not recommended for the prevention of OASIS. Pelvic floor muscle training during pregnancy should not be advised for the prevention of OASIS. In fact, owing to its absence of effect in the medium term, floor muscle training should not be suggested to prevent the development of urinary incontinence post-delivery.

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