Overview

The purpose of this study is to evaluate whether perineal massage during labor can help prevent perineal trauma, such as lacerations or episiotomies.

The study will test two hypotheses:

Null hypothesis: Perineal massage during labor does not prevent perineal trauma.

Alternative hypothesis: Perineal massage during labor helps prevent perineal trauma.

Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups:

Perineal massage group: Participants will receive perineal massage during labor.

Control group: Participants will receive the standard care provided by the labor and delivery unit.

A randomization process will be used to assign participants to each group.

Eligibility

Inclusion Criteria:

• Patients currently in labor
• Gestational age between 37 and 42 weeks
• Fetus presenting in cephalic position
• No prior perineal massage performed during prenatal care

Exclusion Criteria:

• Patients who progress to cesarean delivery
• Diagnosis of HELLP syndrome
• Unstable vital signs of the laboring woman or fetus