Postpartum perineal pain in a low episiotomy setting: association with severity of genital trauma, labor care, and birth variables.

BACKGROUND: Perineal pain is common after childbirth. We studied the effect of genital tract trauma, labor care, and birth variables on the incidence of pain in a population of healthy women exposed to low rates of episiotomy and operative vaginal delivery. METHODS: A prospective study of genital trauma at birth and assessment of postpartum perineal pain and analgesic use was conducted in 565 midwifery patients. Perineal pain was assessed using the present pain intensity (PPI) and visual analog scale (VAS) components of the validated short-form McGill pain scale. Multivariate logistic regression examined which patient characteristics or labor care measures were significant determinants of perineal pain and use of analgesic medicines. RESULTS: At hospital discharge, women with major trauma reported higher VAS pain scores (2.16 +/- 1.61 vs 1.48 +/- 1.40; p < 0.001) and were more likely to use analgesic medicines (76.3 vs 23.7%, p = 0.002) than women with minor or no trauma. By 3 months, average VAS scores were low in each group and not significantly different. Perineal pain at the time of discharge was associated in univariate analysis with higher education level, ethnicity (non-Hispanic white), nulliparity, and longer length of active maternal pushing efforts. In a multivariate model, only trauma group and length of active pushing predicted the pain at hospital discharge. In women with minor or no trauma, only length of the active part of second stage labor had a positive relationship with pain. In women with major trauma, the length of active second stage labor had no independent effect on the level of pain at discharge beyond its effect on the incidence of major trauma. CONCLUSIONS: Women with spontaneous perineal trauma reported very low rates of postpartum perineal pain. Women with major trauma reported increased perineal pain compared with women who had no or minor trauma; however, by 3 months postpartum this difference was no longer present. In women with minor or no perineal trauma, a longer period of active pushing was associated with increased perineal pain.

Does spontaneous genital tract trauma impact postpartum sexual function?

Changes in sexual function are common in postpartum women. In this comparative, descriptive study, a prospective cohort of midwifery patients consented to documentation of genital trauma at birth and assessment of sexual function at 3 months postpartum. The impact of spontaneous genital trauma on postpartum sexual function was the focus of the study. Trauma was categorized into minor trauma (no trauma or first-degree perineal or other trauma that was not sutured) or major trauma (second-, third-, or fourth-degree lacerations or any trauma that required suturing). Women who underwent episiotomy or operative delivery were excluded. Fifty-eight percent (326/565) of enrolled women gave sexual function data; of those, 276 (85%) reported sexual activity since delivery. Seventy percent (193) of women sustained minor trauma and 30% (83) sustained major trauma. Sexually active women completed the Intimate Relationship Scale (IRS), a 12-item questionnaire validated as a measure of postpartum sexual function. Both trauma groups were equally likely to be sexually active. Total IRS scores did not differ between trauma groups nor did complaints of dyspareunia. However, for two items, significant differences were demonstrated: women with major trauma reported less desire to be held, touched, and stroked by their partner than women with minor trauma, and women who required perineal suturing reported lower IRS scores than women who did not require suturing.

Does the severity of spontaneous genital tract trauma affect postpartum pelvic floor function?

We describe the impact of genital trauma on pelvic floor function in a low-risk cohort of women after vaginal birth. Questionnaires (Present Pain Intensity Scale, Incontinence Impact Questionnaire, Fecal Incontinence Score, and Intimate Relationship Scale) were completed up to 12 weeks postpartum. Severity of trauma was recorded at delivery. Overall follow-up was 444/565 (79%). Major trauma (trauma that involved perineal muscles or required suturing) occurred in 20%; 20% delivered intact. At 12 weeks, 10% complained of perineal pain; 24% reported anal (AI) and 27% urinary incontinence (UI). Women with trauma were no more likely than those intact to complain of UI or AI, sexual inactivity, or perineal pain postpartum (all P=NS). Women with major trauma had weaker pelvic floor exercise strength than those who delivered intact or with minor trauma (odds ration 3.06, 95% confidence interval 1.41-6.63). Pelvic floor complaints postpartum were common but not associated with severity of genital trauma in a cohort of low-risk women.

Do unsutured second-degree perineal lacerations affect postpartum functional outcomes?

BACKGROUND: To compare the postpartum pelvic floor function of women with sutured second-degree perineal lacerations, unsutured second-degree perineal lacerations, and intact perineums. METHODS: A prospective cohort of nurse-midwifery patients consented to mapping of genital trauma at birth and an assessment of postpartum pelvic floor outcomes. Women completed validated questionnaires for perineal pain and urinary and anal incontinence at 12 weeks postpartum and underwent physical examination to assess pelvic floor strength and anatomy at 6 weeks postpartum. RESULTS: One hundred seventy-two of 212 (80%) eligible women provided follow-up assessment data at 6 or 12 weeks postpartum. Women with an intact perineum (n=89) used fewer analgesics (P<.002) and had lower pain scores at the time of hospital discharge than women with second-degree lacerations (sutured, n=46; unsutured, n=37; intact, n=89) (P

The evidence for physiologic management of the active phase of the first stage of labor.

The active phase of first stage labor is generally defined as the period between 3 cm to 4 cm to complete cervical dilatation, in the presence of regular uterine contractions. Most women will experience this portion of labor within hospital obstetric units, where care commonly features restriction to bed, electronic fetal monitoring, early treatment of "slow" labors, and few pain management options beyond epidurals and narcotics. However, the available evidence on appropriate care for healthy childbearing women favors activity in labor, intermittent auscultation, patience from caregivers, and nonpharmacologic methods of pain relief. This article reviews the evidence for care practices that support physiologic labor. Modifying intrapartum care to reflect current evidence will improve women's health, and will require a multilevel approach and consistent midwifery demonstration of the model.

Minimizing genital tract trauma and related pain following spontaneous vaginal birth.

Genital tract trauma is common following vaginal childbirth, and perineal pain is a frequent symptom reported by new mothers. The following techniques and care measures are associated with lower rates of obstetric lacerations and related pain following spontaneous vaginal birth: antenatal perineal massage for nulliparous women, upright or lateral positions for birth, avoidance of Valsalva pushing, delayed pushing with epidural analgesia, avoidance of episiotomy, controlled delivery of the baby's head, use of Dexon (U.S. Surgical; Norwalk, CT) or Vicryl (Ethicon, Inc., Somerville, NJ) suture material, the "Fleming method" for suturing lacerations, and oral or rectal ibuprofen for perineal pain relief after delivery. Further research is warranted to determine the role of prenatal pelvic floor (Kegel) exercises, general exercise, and body mass index in reducing obstetric trauma, and also the role of pelvic floor and general exercise in pelvic floor recovery after childbirth.

Is anterior genital tract trauma associated with complaints of postpartum urinary incontinence?

We evaluated whether anterior genital trauma is associated with urinary incontinence after vaginal birth. A prospective cohort of midwifery patients consented to mapping of trauma at birth and assessment of continence postpartum. Trauma was categorized into intact, anterior (periuretheral, clitoral, labial), perineal or both. Incontinence was defined as a positive response to the question, "Since the birth of your baby, have you leaked urine when you did not mean to?" and social impact assessed by the Incontinence Impact Questionnaire-7 (IIQ-7). Of 554 eligible women, 436 (79%) provided incontinence data 3 months postpartum. Genital trauma was common, occurring in 80% of women: in 148 (34%) trauma was anterior, 119 (27%) had both anterior and perineal trauma and 80(18%) had only perineal trauma. Since delivery, 27% (118/436) women leaked urine. Fewer had IIQ-7 scores greater than 0, at 55/436 (12%). Women with anterior trauma, 29/148 (20%), were less likely to complain of incontinence than all others, 89/288 (31%) (P = 0.01). Urinary incontinence is common after giving birth, although most women have mild symptoms. Anterior trauma is not associated with increased complaints of urinary incontinence.

Does epidural analgesia affect the rate of spontaneous obstetric lacerations in normal births?

The precise relationship between epidural use and genital tract lacerations in normal childbirth is unclear. Data from a clinical trial on measures to lower genital tract trauma in vaginal birth were used for a secondary analysis. The goal was to assess whether epidurals affect the rate of spontaneous obstetric lacerations in normal vaginal births. Maternal characteristics and intrapartum variables were compared in women who did and did not use an epidural in labor, and also in those with and without any sutured lacerations following vaginal birth. Variables that were statistically different in both cases were entered into regression equations for simultaneous adjustment. Epidural use was not an independent predictor of sutured lacerations. Predictors of sutured lacerations included nulliparity, a prolonged second stage, being non-Hispanic white, and an infant birthweight greater than 4000 grams. Elements of midwifery management need further research.

Body mass index, midwifery intrapartum care, and childbirth lacerations.

Weight status is an important determinant of many health indices. Data from a clinical trial on measures to lower genital tract trauma in vaginal birth were used for a secondary analysis. The goal was to describe the relationship of body mass index and pregnancy weight gain to clinical intrapartum care, infant birthweight, and genital tract trauma with vaginal birth. Intrapartum care measures and labor events did not vary by maternal weight status. Overweight and obese women were more likely to be parous, and Hispanic or American Indian. Total pregnancy weight gain decreased, and infant birthweight increased as body mass index category increased. Obese women who gained 40 or more pounds during pregnancy had elevated rates of macrosomia and genital tract lacerations.

Factors related to genital tract trauma in normal spontaneous vaginal births.

OBJECTIVE: Episiotomy rates are declining in the United States. In settings with very low rates, evidence remains sparse on how best to facilitate birth without lacerations. The purpose of this investigation was to identify maternal and clinical factors related to genital tract trauma in normal, spontaneous vaginal births. METHODS: Data from a randomized clinical trial of perineal management techniques were used to address the study objective. Healthy women had spontaneous births with certified nurse-midwives in a medical center setting. Proportions of maternal characteristics and intrapartum variables were compared in women who did and did not sustain sufficient trauma to warrant suturing, according to parity (first vaginal births versus others). Logistic regression using a backward elimination strategy was used to identify predictors of obstetric trauma. RESULTS: In women who had a first vaginal birth, risk factors for trauma were maternal education of high school or beyond, Valsalva pushing, and infant birthweight. Risk factors in women having a second or higher vaginal birth were prior sutured trauma and infant birthweight. For all mothers, delivery of the infant's head between contractions was associated with reduced trauma to the genital tract. CONCLUSIONS: Delivery technique that is unrushed and controlled may help reduce obstetric trauma in normal, spontaneous vaginal births.

Midwifery care measures in the second stage of labor and reduction of genital tract trauma at birth: a randomized trial.

Genital tract trauma after spontaneous vaginal childbirth is common, and evidence-based prevention measures have not been identified beyond minimizing the use of episiotomy. This study randomized 1211 healthy women in midwifery care at the University of New Mexico teaching hospital to 1 of 3 care measures late in the second stage of labor: 1) warm compresses to the perineal area, 2) massage with lubricant, or 3) no touching of the perineum until crowning of the infant's head. The purpose was to assess whether any of these measures was associated with lower levels of obstetric trauma. After each birth, the clinical midwife recorded demographic, clinical care, and outcome data, including the location and extent of any genital tract trauma. The frequency distribution of genital tract trauma was equal in all three groups. Individual women and their clinicians should decide whether to use these techniques on the basis of maternal comfort and other considerations.

Clinician perspectives on participation in research.

Midwifery practice settings offer ideal opportunities to conduct research on normal childbearing. Increasing the output of midwifery research would benefit midwives, as well as the women they serve. But finding ways to add research activities to a busy clinical schedule is a challenge. Factors thought to promote clinician participation in research are as follows: perceived relevance of the research topic, a relationship with a lead researcher, regular feedback to clinicians, minimal impact of a study on usual clinical care, and some level of compensation for clinicians who participate in research. Barriers include time constraints, lack of research updates and support, and limited research skills of clinicians. Joint projects by academic researchers teamed with active clinician groups are suggested as one way to move a midwifery research agenda forward.

Reducing genital tract trauma at birth: launching a clinical trial in midwifery.

Genital tract trauma is a common outcome of vaginal birth, and can cause short-term and long-term problems for new mothers. Preventive measures have not been fully explicated. Midwives use a variety of hand maneuvers late in the second stage of labor, in the belief that genital trauma can be reduced. However, none of these care measures have been rigorously tested to determine if they are effective. A midwifery practice offers an ideal setting to study the relationship of hand techniques by the birth attendant to reduction of genital tract trauma.