Perineal massage benefits
More than 85% of women that have natural births will suffer from some form of perineal tear. It is estimated that between 0.6 to 11% of deliveries produce third and fourth degree tears that can lead to permanent life altering changes. The risks involved in this are based on three main factors; maternal, fetal and intrapartum risk factors. Maternal risk factors include ethnicity, complications arising from a vaginal birth after a caesarean section has been conducted and births in women younger than 20 years old. Additionally, a perineal length less than 25mm also increases the odds of tearing occurring. Fetal risks include a larger fetus >4kg along with birth defects and misalignment of the fetus. During the intrapartum stage of delivery, instruments used including forceps can initiate tearing, prolonged second stage of labor lasting more than an hour can increase the probability of tearing, delivery in a deep squatting position and the use of an episiotomy to reduce the risk of...