Incidence Of Episiotomy Research Articles

PG - 29: Effect of Perineal Massage in the Second Stage of Labour, on The Incidence of Episiotomy and Perineal Tears

PG - 29: Effect of Perineal Massage in the Second Stage of Labour, on The Incidence of Episiotomy and Perineal Tears

Examining Trends in Obstetric Quality Measures for Monitoring Health Care Disparities.

Elective delivery (ED) before 39 weeks, low-risk cesarean delivery, and episiotomy are routinely reported obstetric quality measures and have been the focus of quality improvement initiatives over the past decade. To estimate trends and differences in obstetric quality measures by race/ethnicity. We used 2008-2014 linked birth certificate-hospital discharge data from New York City to measure ED before 39 gestational weeks (ED <39), low-risk cesarean, and episiotomy by race/ethnicity. Measures were following the Joint Commission and National Quality Forum specifications. Average annual percent change (AAPC) was estimated using Poisson regression for each measure by race/ethnicity. Risk differences (RD) for non-Hispanic black women, Hispanic women, and Asian women compared with non-Hispanic white women were calculated. ED<39 decreased among whites [AAPC=-2.7; 95% confidence interval (CI), -3.7 to -1.7), while it increased among blacks (AAPC=1.3; 95% CI, 0.1-2.6) and Hispanics (AAPC=2.4; 95% CI, 1.4-3.4). Low-risk cesarean decreased among whites (AAPC=-2.8; 95% CI, -4.6 to -1.0), and episiotomy decreased among all groups. In 2008, white women had higher risk of most measures, but by 2014 incidence of ED<39 was increased among Hispanics (RD=2/100 deliveries; 95% CI, 2-4) and low-risk cesarean was increased among blacks (RD=3/100; 95% CI, 0.5-6), compared with whites. Incidence of episiotomy was lower among blacks and Hispanics than whites, and higher among Asian women throughout the study period. Existing measures do not adequately assess health care disparities due to modest risk differences; nonetheless, continued monitoring of trends is warranted to detect possible emergent disparities.

Effectiveness of antenatal perineal massage in reducing perineal trauma and post-partum morbidities: A randomized controlled trial.

The study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of antenatal perineal massage (APM) in reducing perineal trauma and post-partum morbidities. A randomized controlled trial of 108 primigravidae at the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Enugu, Nigeria, was conducted from January 2013 to May 2014. The intervention group received APM, while the control group did not receive APM. Women who received APM were significantly more likely to have an intact perineum after childbirth [27/53 (50.9%) vs 16/55 (29.1%); RR: 1.75; 95% CI: 1.07-2.86; P = 0.02]. The incidence of episiotomy was lower in the intervention group [20/53 (37.7%) vs 32/55 (58.2%); RR: 0.65; 95% CI: 0.43-0.98; P = 0.03; NNT = 5]. Women who received APM were significantly less likely to develop flatus incontinence [4/53 (8.3%) vs 13/55 (26.0%); RR: 0.32; 95% CI: 0.11-0.91; P = 0.03]. However, the incidences of premature rupture of membranes, preterm labor and birth asphyxia were similar between the two groups (P > 0.05). APM reduces the incidence of episiotomy and increases the incidence of women with an intact perineum after vaginal delivery. It also reduces the risk of flatus incontinence after childbirth without increased maternal or neonatal complications. Women should therefore be counseled on the likely benefits of APM and the information provided during antenatal care. Obstetricians should consider the technique as routine prenatal care for nulliparous women so as to reduce the incidence of perineal trauma during vaginal birth.

An Audit of Perineal Trauma and Vertical Transmisson Of HIV.

Restrictive episiotomy is recommended for the prevention of vertical transmission of HIV. The study compared the frequency of episiotomy use and the occurrence of perineal tears; and related factors in HIV positive and HIV negative women and to assess their effect on Mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) of HIV. A total of 110 HIV positive and 134 HIV negative parturients were enrolled in the study. The incidence of episiotomy was more in the HIV negative group (p=0.0000) while that of perineal tear was not affected by HIV status (p=0.17). The rate of episiotomy was significantly affected by primigravidity in HIV negative subjects (OR= 0.032, 95% CI 0.0072-0.13). The rate of perineal tear was significantly affected by primigravidity in HIV positive subjects (OR=8.55, 95% CI 1.91-38.7) and multigravidity in HIV negative subjects (OR= 0.030, 95% CI 0.133-0.71). Gestational age and mean birth weight had no effect on the rate of episiotomy (p value =0.57 and 0.30) and perineal tear (p value= 0.79 and 0.061). There was no mother-to-child HIV transmission. Episiotomies should be given when needed irrespective of HIV status because of the risk of consequent perineal tear and with HAART the risk of MTCT from perineal trauma is minimal.

Do manual therapies to the perineum during the second stage of labor reduce the incidence of genital tract trauma during vaginal deliveries?

EVIDENCE-BASED ANSWER Warm compresses and perineal massage in the second stage of labor each reduce incidence of third- and fourthdegree lacerations compared with usual care (SOR: A, systematic review of RCTs). “Hands off” reduces the incidence of episiotomy (SOR: B, systematic review and single RCT). Perineal massage does not reduce the incidence of postpartum perineal pain (SOR: B, single RCT). The modified Ritgen maneuver does not reduce perineal trauma (SOR: B, systematic review containing a single RCT).

Effects of combined spinal epidural labor analgesia on episiotomy: a retrospective cohort study

BackgroundAccording to some published studies, neuraxial analgesia may be associated with prolonged labor and an increased risk for instrumental vaginal delivery. However, its effects on episiotomy are unknown. This study aimed to examine the incidence of episiotomy with and without combined spinal–epidural analgesia (CSEA) during labor.MethodsThis was a retrospective cohort study, in which the computerized medical records of nulliparous women with singleton, cephalic and live births were reviewed and women with and without CSEA were matched based on their propensity scores. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to examine the association between CSEA and the incidence of episiotomy during vaginal delivery.ResultsIn the cohort study with 11,994 vaginal deliveries, 5748 received CSEA and 6246 did not receive CSEA. 4116 CSEA women were successfully matched with 4116 Non-CSEA women. In the univariate analysis, the incidence of episiotomy was 47.4% in the CSEA group and 44.7% in the Non-CSEA group. However, after a multivariable logistic regression analysis, CSEA did not increase the risk of episiotomy (adjusted OR, 1.080; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.988–1.180).ConclusionsThe use of CSEA during labor and vaginal delivery did not increase the risk of episiotomy.

Incidence of episiotomy in Slovenia: The story behind the numbers.

Episiotomy is a surgical cut of the perineum performed in the second stage of labor in order to widen the vaginal opening and thus facilitate the birth of an infant. Despite current recommendations against the routine use of episiotomy, it is one of the most commonly performed surgical interventions during childbirth. This retrospective study explores the number of episiotomies performed in Slovenian maternity hospitals and the differences in episiotomy rates in relation to parity. Data were obtained from the Slovenian National Perinatal Information System and pooled for 2013. A causal and non-experimental method of empirical research was used. The results of the study show that episiotomy rates vary widely across Slovenian maternity hospitals, ranging from 2.5% to 51.7%. Moreover, the majority of Slovenian maternity hospitals exceed the recommended rate, with an overall incidence of episiotomy as high as 31.3%. Further research is recommended to obtain relevant information from women as well as from midwives and to draw new, evidence-based conclusions related to the maternal benefits and adverse effects of episiotomy.

Effect of new labor standards on gestational diabetes mellitus primipara delivery outcome

Objective To explore the effect of new labor standards on the intrapartum interventions and delivery outcome for gestational diabetes mellitus primiparas in labor by comparing with materal who were in accordance with the Friedman standards. Methods From May to November 2015,319 singleton and full-term gestational diabetes mellitus primiparas whose labor treatment was according to new labor standards were selected as observation group. From November 2014 to April 2015, materal in accordance with the Friedman standards were selected as control group, a total of 292 cases, and then progress of labor, the usage of oxytocin, delivery way, postpartum hemorrhage, neonatal hypoglycemia and asphyxia were all observed. Results There was no significant difference between two groups in the rate of postpartum hemorrhage, neonatal hypoglycemia, neonatal asphyxia and neonatal mobidities (P>0.05). The total labor stage, the first labor stage and the second labor stage was (10.73 ± 4.00), (9.97 ± 3.89), (0.60 ± 0.38) h in observation group and (8.86 ± 3.09), (8.19 ± 3.00), (0.53 ± 0.31) h in control group, there was significant difference between two groups (t=18.184, 17.799, 6.798, all P <0.01). The incidence of artificial rupture, the usage of oxytocin, caesarean section was 22.57%(72/319), 16.93%(54/319), 5.64%(198/319) in observation group, and 28.77%(84/292), 22.95%(67/292), 9.59%(28/292) in control group, and there was significant difference between two groups(χ2=3.079, 3.476, 3.410, all P<0.05). The incidence of episiotomy was only 29.47% (94/319) in observation group, significantly less than that in control group, which was 51.37% (150/292), there was significant difference (χ2=30.490, P<0.01). Conclusions For gestational diabetes mellitus primipara, the new labor standards effectively reduce intrapartum interventions, the rate of cesarean sections and episiotomy, and more, less influence on maternal and newborn, which is helpful to promote the maternal reproductive health and natural delivery. Key words: Diabetes, gestational; New labor standards; Delivery outcome

Peut-on encore diminuer le taux d’épisiotomie ? État des lieux en région PACA

ObjectiveTo evaluate professional practices relative to episiotomies in the Provence Alpes Côte d’Azur (PACA) region by analysing their incidence in maternity hospitals, by type and by sector of activity. Following this, to analyse maternal and obstetric characteristics associated with episiotomies and the occurrence of perineal tears in Marseille's university hospitals (CHU). MethodsData were extracted from the database for the period from 1st January 2012 to 31 December 2014. The sample included 41 maternity hospitals: 13 private and 28 public. Twenty of the maternity hospitals were level 1, 15 were level 2, and 2 were level 3 (Nice and AP–HM). ResultsIn the PACA region, 176,573 patients gave birth by vaginal delivery. The incidence of episiotomy over the 3 years was 21.6% (0.50% – 76.13%) with a statistically significant reduction in the incidence between 2012 and 2014 (P<0.001). There was a significant difference by sector (P<0.001) and level (P<0.001) of maternity hospitals. In the Marseille CHU, 21.6% of women had an episiotomy (66.4% in primiparas – 33.6% in multiparous) and 43% had perineal tears (62.3% in primiparas – 37.7% in multiparous). After multivariate analysis, gender, weight of the newborn, presentation, gestational age, and mode of delivery were shown to be factors significantly associated with occurrence of episiotomy and occurrence of perineal tear (P<0.001). ConclusionA significant decrease in the incidence of episiotomy was observed in the PACA region from 2012 to 2014, associated with a wide variation in rates depending on the maternity hospitals, their types and their sectors.

Reducing the incidence of Obstetric Sphincter Injuries using a hands-on technique: an interventional quality improvement project

A main concern for women giving birth is the risk of obstetric anal sphincter injuries. In our department the incidence of sphincter injuries was around 8 % among vaginally delivering...

Episiotomy and its relationship to various clinical variables that influence its performance.

Objective:to understand the episiotomy rate and its relationship with various clinical variables. Method:a descriptive, cross-sectional, analytic study of 12,093 births in a tertiary hospital. Variables: Parity, gestational age, start of labor, use of epidural analgesia, oxytocin usage, position during fetal explusion, weight of neonate, and completion of birth. The analysis was performed with SPSS 19.0. Results:the global percentage of episiotomies was 50%. The clinical variables that presented a significant association were primiparity (RR=2.98), gestational age >41 weeks (RR=1.2), augmented or induced labor (RR=1.33), epidural analgesia use (RR=1,95), oxytocin use (RR=1.58), lithotomy position during fetal expulsion (RR=6.4), and instrumentation (RR=1.84). Furthermore, maternal age ≥35 years (RR=0.85) and neonatal weight <2500 g (RR=0.8) were associated with a lower incidence of episiotomy. Conclusions:episiotomy is dependent on obstetric interventions performed during labor. If we wish to reduce the episiotomy rate, it will be necessary to bear in mind these risk factors when establishing policies for reducing this procedure.

Applied research of pelvic rocking with balloon bionic midwifery in head dystocia

Objective To investigate the application effect of pelvic rocking with balloon bionic midwifery in head dystocia. Methods Prospective research method was selected, and 400 pregnant women with head dystocia were divided into 2 groups by random digits table method with 200 cases each. The observation group was given pelvic rocking with balloon bionic midwifery delivery, and the control group was given gauge and comfortable posture with manual rotation fetal head delivery. The labor stage and delivery outcome were observed in two groups. Results The rate of successfully correct the fetal position was 91.00%(182/200) in observation group and 65.00%(130/200) in control group,and there was significant difference between 2 groups,χ2= 39.394,P<0.01. The cesarean section rate was 7.00%(14/200) in observation group and 27.00% (54/200) in control group,and there was significant difference between 2 groups,χ2= 113.119,P<0.01. The first, second and total labor stage were (8.86±2.20), (0.72±0.52), (9.78±2.82) h in observation group and (12.60±2.10), (1.02±0.82), (13.83±3.01) h in control group, and there were significant differences between 2 groups,t=15.684,4.058,12.609,P <0.01. The incidence of episiotomy, perineal laceration of Ⅱ degree, fetal distress, neonatal asphyxia and postpartum hemorrhage were 17.20% (32/186), 6.45% (12/186), 1.00%(2/200), 0,(150.80±43.54) ml in observation group, and 42.47%(62/146), 41.48%(61/146), 9.00%(18/200), 3.00%(6/200), (254.60±83.50) ml, and there were significant differences between 2 groups, P <0.01 or 0.05. Conclusions Pelvic rocking with balloon bionic midwifery can effectively correct the fetal position, reduce head dystocia and cesarean section rate, shorten the first labor stage, the second labor stage, reduce the occurrence of complication of mother and infant. Key words: Dystocia; Labor, obstetric; Pelvic rocking; Balloon bionic midwifery

Snoezelen Room and Childbirth Outcome: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

Background:One of the strategies for a good outcome and pain free childbearing is to design the delivery room.Objectives:The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of snoezelen room on childbearing outcome such as pain intensity, duration of labor, and perinea status in nulliparous women.Patients and Methods:This study was a randomized controlled clinical trial consists of 100 childbearing women. They were randomly divided into 2 groups. The experimental group went to snoezelen room when their cervix dilation was 4 cm, while the control group went to physiologic delivery room with the same cervix dilation.Results:The mean ± SD of VAS (Visual Analogue Scale) pain intensity of the experimental and control groups before the intervention were 5.1 ± 1.95 and 5.58 ± 1.62, respectively (P = 0.13). The mean ± SD of VAS pain intensity scores of the experimental and control groups after 3 hours spending in their assigned rooms were 5.26 ± 0.86 and 9.56 ± 1.48, respectively (P = 0.01). The mean ± SD of the first stage scores of the experimental and control groups were 6.95 ± 0.97 and 8.41 ± 0.67, respectively (P = 0.042). About 92% of participants’ intervention vs. 66% of control participants had perinea laceration (P = 0.041).Conclusions:According to the findings of the present study, distracting senses in snoezelen room decreases mother’s pain intensity, the length of labor, and incidence of episiotomy.

Waterbirth: an integrative analysis of peer-reviewed literature.

Despite a growing body of evidence for waterbirth safety, a myriad of political and cultural issues result in limited use in US hospitals compared to other developed nations. The purpose of this article is to critically analyze the evidence on maternal and neonatal outcomes of waterbirth to help inform evidence-based clinical practice in the United States. A literature search was performed using electronic databases CINAHL, Ovid MEDLINE, PubMed, EMBASE, and PsycINFO. Thirty-eight studies, including 2 randomized controlled trials and 36 observational studies, were reviewed. Studies were conducted in 11 countries, mostly outside the United States. More than 31,000 waterbirths were described. Aggregate results suggest that waterbirth is associated with high levels of maternal satisfaction with pain relief and the experience of childbirth, and may increase the likelihood of an intact perineum. Waterbirth is associated with decreased incidence of episiotomy and severe perineal lacerations, and may contribute to reduced postpartum hemorrhage. Data indicate no difference in maternal or neonatal infection rates or nursery admissions after waterbirth. Neonatal mortality rates are low and similar after waterbirth and uncomplicated conventional birth. The calculated cord avulsion rate is 2.4 per 1000 waterbirths; it is unknown how this compares to conventional birth due to a lack of data that permits direct comparison. The majority of waterbirth research to date is observational and descriptive; thus, reported outcomes do not demonstrate causal associations. However, existing evidence is reassuring. Case-controlled studies have included thousands of women who gave birth underwater without an apparent increase in maternal or neonatal morbidity or mortality. Potential risks associated with waterbirth for women and neonates appear minimal, and outcomes are comparable to those expected in any healthy childbearing population.

Variability in the rate of episiotomies and its relation to severe perineal tears and neonatal morbility

To determine the variability in the use of episiotomy among midwives and its relation to third and fourth-degree tears, and the impact on neonatal morbidity. A study was conducted on historical groups from a total of 2,366 eutocic births with a single live fetus greater than or equal to 37 weeks gestation and 18 midwives over a three year period (2009, 2010 and 2011) in "Mancha-Centro" Hospital (Alcázar de San Juan).The outcomes variables for this analysis were the incidence of episiotomy, perineal lacerations, and neonatal morbidity. The variability in the use of episiotomy ranged from 19.5% to 50.1% among the 18 midwives in the study, with an average rate of 34.9% (824). Grouped at intervals, 22.1% (524) had a rate of ≤25%, 26.1% (621) between 26-35%, 38% (898) between 36-44%, and 13.7% (323) a rate of ≥45%, with homogeneity between the groups for all the confounding factors. There was no statistical association between higher rates of episotomy and pH of umbilical artery<7.10, Apgar score after 5 min<7, and the level of neonatal resuscitation type iii and iv. There was also no relationship between the rate of episiotomy with perineal integrity and third and fourth-degree tears. The variability in the rate of episiotomy is high, and it is not related to the increased presence of third and fourth-degree tears or increased neonatal morbidity. Episiotomy rates should not be greater than 25%, in order to prevent perineal trauma or loss of fetal well-being.

Hyaluronidase for reducing perineal trauma.

Perineal hyaluronidase (HAase) injection was widely used to reduce the occurrence of perineal trauma, pain and need for episiotomy in the 1950s to 1960s. Reports suggested that the administration of HAase was a simple, low risk, low cost and effective way to decrease perineal trauma without adverse effects. The objective of this review was to assess the effectiveness and safety of perineal HAase injection for reducing spontaneous perineal trauma, episiotomy and perineal pain in vaginal deliveries. We searched the Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth Group's Trials Register (31 October 2013), the International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (ICTRP) and the Networked Digital Library of Theses and Dissertations (both on 1 April 2013), and reference lists of retrieved studies. We also contacted relevant organisations. Published and unpublished randomised and quasi-randomised controlled trials comparing perineal HAase injection with placebo injection or no intervention in vaginal deliveries. Two review authors independently assessed trials for inclusion, extracted data and evaluated methodological quality. Data were checked for accuracy. The search strategy identified six potentially eligible studies. Two studies were excluded. We included four randomised controlled trials that randomised a total of 599 women (data were available for 595 women).Two trials (283 women) compared the effects of perineal HAase injection during the second stage of labour with placebo injection and were at low risk of bias. Three trials (one three-armed trial was analysed twice) (373 women) compared the effects of perineal HAase injection during second stage of labour with no intervention and two out of the three trials were at high risk of bias. Data from four trials involving 599 women suggested that perineal HAase injection during second stage of labour had a lower incidence of perineal trauma (average risk ratio (RR) 0.69, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.50 to 0.95,Tau² = 0.08, I² = 82% compared with women in the control group, but there was no clear evidence of a reduction in the incidence of episiotomy (average RR 0.74, 95% CI 0.43 to 1.29, Tau² = 0.17, I² = 66%), first and second degree perineal lacerations (average RR 0.54, 95% CI 0.38 to 1.33, Tau² = 0.30 , I² = 85%) and third and fourth degree perineal lacerations (RR 0.12, 95% CI 0.01 to 2.13). Data from two trials involving 283 women indicated that there was no clear evidence of a reduction in the incidence of perineal trauma (RR 0.90, 95% CI 0.77 to 1.06, Tau²=1.07, I² = 7%), episiotomy (RR 0.77, 95% CI 0.32 to 1.89, Tau² = 0.27, I² = 54%), first and second degree perineal lacerations (RR 1.08, 95% CI 0.83 to 1.40, Tau² = 1.11, I² = 10%) and third and fourth degree perineal lacerations (RR 0.12, 95% CI 0.01 to 2.13) with perineal HAase injection. Data from three trials involving 373 women suggested that perineal HAase injection during second stage of labour had a lower incidence of perineal trauma (RR 0.61, 95% CI 0.42 to 0.88, Tau² = 0.08, I² = 78%) compared with no intervention, but had no clear effect on in the incidence of episiotomy (RR 0.79, 95% CI 0.44 to 1.42, Tau² = 0.16, I² = 70%) and first and second degree perineal lacerations (RR 0.58, 95% CI 0.31 to 1.10, Tau² = 0.18, I² = 59%). No side effects were reported in the included trials.No included trials reported on perineal pain and other pre-specified secondary outcomes: perineal trauma requiring suturing; blood loss; dyspareunia; urinary incontinence; faecal incontinence; assisted delivery rate; women's satisfaction; Apgar score less than seven at five minutes and need for admission to special care baby unit. Perineal HAase injection during second stage of labour had a lower incidence of perineal trauma compared with control or no intervention, but there was no clear evidence of benefit compared with placebo injection. The difference in incidence of perineal trauma may probably be due to bias and confounding in the non-placebo controlled comparison, this result should be interpreted cautiously. The potential use of perineal HAase injection as a method to reduce perineal trauma were yet to be determined as there was no appropriate established dose for HAase, no evidence of follow up, and the number of high-quality trials and outcomes reported were too limited to draw conclusions on its effectiveness and safety. Further rigorous randomised controlled trials are required to evaluate the role of perineal HAase injection in vaginal deliveries.

Effect of perineal massage on the incidence of episiotomy and perineal laceration

Background: Perineal traumas particularly caused by following vaginal delivery are associated with short and long term morbidity for women. Therefore, interventions that increase the probability of intact perineum are necessary. The aim of study was to determine the effect of perineal massage with a sterile lubricant on the incidence of episiotomy and perinea laceration. Materials: This clinical trial study was performed on 145 nulliparous women who referred to Amol Emam Ali teaching center for normal delivery. They were randomly participating in interventional group (massage with lubricant) (45 cases) or control group (100 cases). In massage group when they progressed to full dilatation of the cervix, the midwife inserted two fingers inside vagina and using a sweeping motion gently stretched the perineum with lubricant 5 up to 10 minutes, in and between mother’s pushing in the second stage of labour. In control group just Ritgen Maneuver was applied. At last, we compared the rate of intact perineum, episiotomy and laceration, mean duration of the second stage of labor and Apgar score in 1 and 5 minutes between two groups. Statistical analyses were performed using t-test, Chi Square to determine potentially significant associations, and a p value less than 0.05 was considered significant. Results: The incidences of intact perineum, episiotomy and laceration were 22.2% (10), 44.4% (20), 33.3% (15) respectively in interventional group. In control group, intact perineum, episiotomy and laceration were: 20.2% (20), 49.3% (71), 28.3% (28) respectively. This difference was not statis- tically significant. Rate of first-degree laceration was 33.3% (15) in massage group, while this percent was 28.3% (28) in control group. This difference was not statistically significant. In massage and control groups, second, third and fourth-degree lacerations did not occur. Conclusion: The results showed that massage with a sterile lubricant provides no apparent and significant advantage or disadvantage in reducing perineal trauma. Therefore, the use of massage as technique for perineal control is safe based on labour criteria and woman’s preference during delivery.

The Use of Episiotomy in a Low‐Risk Population in The Netherlands: A Secondary Analysis

To examine the episiotomy incidence and determinants and outcomes associated with its use in primary care midwifery practices. Secondary analysis of two prospective cohort studies (n=3,404). The episiotomy incidence was 10.8 percent (20.9% for nulliparous and 6.3% for parous women). Episiotomy was associated with prolonged second stage of labor (adj. OR 12.09 [95% CI 6.0-24.2] for nulliparous and adj. OR 2.79 [1.7-4.6] for parous women) and hospital birth (adj. OR 1.75 [1.2-2.5] for parous women). Compared with episiotomy, perineal tears were associated with a lower rate of postpartum hemorrhage in parous women (adj. OR 0.58 [0.4-0.9]). Fewer women with perineal tears reported perineal discomfort (adj. OR 0.35 [0.2-0.6] for nulliparous and adj. OR 0.22 [0.1-0.3] for parous women). Among nulliparous women episiotomy was performed most frequently for prolonged second stage of labor (38.8%) and among parous women for history of episiotomy or prevention of major perineal trauma (21.1%). The incidence of episiotomy is high compared with some low-risk settings in other Western countries. Episiotomy was associated with higher rates of adverse maternal outcomes. Restricted use of episiotomy is likely to be beneficial for women.

Effect of Postpartum Outcomes in Mother's Upright Position During the Second Stage of Labor: Systematic Review.

The purpose of this study was to determine whether upright position is effective in labor through systematic review in randomized controlled trials. We established the PICO (Patient-Intervention-Comparator-Outcome) strategy, and reviewed 282 literatures from national and international electronic databases, and finally selected 9 references based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. We evaluated the quality of references and carried out a meta-analysis. The maternal outcomes showed that the duration of their second-stage labor was 2.29 minutes shorter than that of the women in the recumbent position, and were less likely to have episiotomy. The other outcomes, including the mode of delivery, blood loss, hemoglobin level, use of oxytocin, use of analgesics, and perineal laceration, did not differ between the groups. The fetal heart rate abnormality occurred less than in the control group. The Apgar scores of the groups did not differ. There is evidence that an upright position in the second stage of labor reduces the duration of the second stage of labor, the incidence of episiotomy, and an abnormal fetal heart rate.

Factors Influencing The Use Of Episiotomy During Vaginal Delivery In South Eastern Nigeria

Given considerable evidence that routine episiotomy increases maternal morbidity and without evidence to support maternal or neonatal benefit, has episiotomy use changed among health care providers? To date, very limited information exists relating to the past and current practice of episiotomy in many developing countries. To determine the prevalence of episiotomy at Aba in South Eastern Nigeria, examine factors influencing the performance of episiotomy and document complications associated with the procedure. A hospital based retrospective study. The Abia State University Teaching Hospital (ABSUTH), Aba in South Eastern Nigeria, from January 2001 to December 2005. Four thousand, one hundred and seventy two mothers who delivered vaginally within the study period. There were 1877 episiotomies, for an episiotomy rate of 45%. Ninety per cent of the primigravid parturients had episiotomy. Women undergoing episiotomy were younger (mean age 24.7 years; range 16-37) than women without episiotomy (mean age 28.5 years, range 20-43). When controlled for parity and maternal age, other risk factors were occipito-posterior position, vacuum extraction, forceps delivery, vaginal breech delivery, and a history of Caesarean section. Episiotomy use was also associated with major perineal lacerations and increased length of hospital stay. The episiotomy rate of 45 per 100 vaginal deliveries in this study is obviously higher than evidence-based recommendations for optimal patient care. A policy of systematic reduction in the incidence of episiotomy can be pursued in this hospital. Greater attention needs to be paid to selection of women to undergo episiotomy.