NCT06935643

The Effect of Birth Ball and Perineal Massage on Perineal Pain, Perineal Trauma and Birth Satisfaction

The Effect of Birth Ball and Perineal Massage on Perineal Pain, Perineal Trauma and Birth Satisfaction During the Intrapartum Period

• Status: Not Yet Recruiting
• Phase: N/A
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 144 (estimated)
• Sponsor: Istanbul University - Cerrahpasa · Academic / Other
• Sex: Female
• Age: 18 Years – 35 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Accepted

Summary

One of the important causes of perineal trauma is perineal tension. By reducing this tension, perineal trauma can be prevented. Perineal trauma is a birth complication that can be prevented with midwifery approaches. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of birth ball and perineal massage on perineal pain, perineal trauma and labor satisfaction in the intrapartum period.

Detailed description

Perineal trauma is the disruption of perineal integrity that develops in the genital area at birth and occurs spontaneously or as a result of surgical intervention. One of the important causes of perineal trauma is perineal tension. Perineal traumas can be prevented by reducing this tension.Birth ball and perineal massage are recommended approaches to prevent perineal trauma from the active phase. As a result of these approaches, an increase in birth satisfaction, an increase in quality of life, a decrease in perineal pain and continuity of communication between mother and baby are provided.Massage is started by applying a lubricant to the hands and the fingers are placed into the vagina until the first knuckle. The thumb and index fingers are moved in a "U" shape by pressing the rectum and the tension of the perineal muscles is reduced. In the Positive Birth Experience Booklet published by the World Health Organization, it recommends perineal massage in the second stage of labor to facilitate vaginal delivery and reduce perineal trauma. At a high level of evidence, perineal massage is recommended to prevent third and fourth degree perineal trauma. Perineal trauma care is a condition that increases the cost of delivery, and perineal massage reduces the cost of care and provides quality midwifery care.The use of a birth ball in the intrapartum period increases uterine blood flow, relaxes the muscles and thus reduces pain. Its use is recommended because of its effects on the birth process such as completing the engagement of the fetal head, shortening the duration of the latent phase and increasing the comfort of labor. In addition, the movement of the mother on the birth ball increases the flexibility of the perineal muscles and reduces the risk of perineal trauma. The use of a birth ball is recommended in the first and second stages of labor.

Conditions

• Perineal Pain
• Birth Satisfaction
• Perineal Laceration, Tear, or Rupture During Delivery

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
OTHER	Birth Ball	Written and verbal consent will be obtained by giving information about the study.The Pregnant Diagnosis Form will be filled out.When the cervical opening is 4-5 cm, 6-7 cm and 8-10 cm, the pregnant woman will have a birth ball application for 10 minutes. Visual Analog Scale (VAS) will be completed before and after each application. During labor, the Labor Monitoring and Perineal Trauma Assessment Form will be completed and the presence/degree of perineal trauma will be evaluated.Visual Analog Scale (VAS) will be completed at the 1st hour postpartum.At the 4th hour postpartum, the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and The Scale for Measuring Maternal Satisfaction in Birth will be completed.
OTHER	Perineal Massage	Written and verbal consent will be obtained by giving information about the study.The Pregnant Diagnosis Form will be filled out. When the cervical opening is 4-5 cm, 6-7 cm and 8-10 cm, 10 minutes of perineal massage will be applied to the pregnant woman. Visual Analog Scale (VAS) will be completed before and after each application. During labor, the Labor Monitoring and Perineal Trauma Assessment Form will be completed and the presence/degree of perineal trauma will be evaluated.Visual Analog Scale (VAS) will be completed at the 1st hour postpartum.At the 4th hour postpartum, the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and The Scale for Measuring Maternal Satisfaction in Birth will be completed.
OTHER	Control Group	Pregnant women in the control group will not receive any intervention. Pregnant women in this group will only receive routine midwifery care. Written and verbal consent will be obtained by giving information about the study.Pregnancy Diagnosis Form will be filled.When the cervical opening is 4-5 cm, 6-7 cm and 8-10 cm, Visual Analog Scale (VAS) will be completed. During labor, the Labor Monitoring and Perineal Trauma Assessment Form will be completed and the presence/degree of perineal trauma will be evaluated.Visual Analog Scale (VAS) will be completed at the 1st hour postpartum.At the 4th hour postpartum, the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and The Scale for Measuring Maternal Satisfaction in Birth will be completed.

Timeline

• Start date: 2025-05-01
• Primary completion: 2025-10-01
• Completion: 2025-10-01
• First posted: 2025-04-20
• Last updated: 2025-04-24