Preventing perineal trauma during childbirth

Perinea! trauma is defined as damage that occurs to the perineum during childbirth that can be unintentional or iptentional. Lacerations can range from first degree, which involves only injury to the skin, to fourth degree which involves injury to underlying structures· and the anus. An episiotomy, a cut made to the perineum, is considered trauma as well. One of the common concerns of women about childbirth is suffering some form of perineal trauma. Perineal trauma can lead to many complications such as pain, infections, increased bleeding, and incontinence. There are many interventions that can decrease a woman\u27s chances of sustaining damage to the perineum whether unintentional or intentional. This integrated literature review explores research that has been performed to examine the different types of interventions and their success at preventing perineal trauma from 1997 to 2008. Perineal Massage, obstetric gel, warm compress, hands off method, oils and lubricants, birthing positions, using hyaluronidase, avoidance of Valsalva pushing, not using augmentation, not using episiotomies, and using a Midwife were examined. All interventions showed a decreased amount of perineal trauma during childbirth, however, some were more effective than others. By using evidence-based interventions, practitioners can decrease the occurrence and severity of perineal trauma, and make the child birthing process have more positive outcomes