HelpDesk AnswersDoes third trimester antenatal perineal massage improve perineal outcomes for vaginal delivery?Lieuallen, Emily DO1; Brennan, Michal DO, MA, FAAFP2Author Information 1Tacoma FMR 2Tacoma, WA Evidence-Based Practice: January 2014 - Volume 17 - Issue 1 - p 11-12 doi: 10.1097/01.EBP.0000540554.74004.a9 Buy Metrics Abstract Evidence-Based Answer Probably to a small degree. Women who practice perineal massage beginning at 34 weeks, 5 to 10 minutes at a time, 3 to 7 days a week are 10% less likely to need sutures, but without a significant change in the incidence or type of perineal tears (SOR: A, meta-analysis). Primigravidas may benefit more than multigravidas (SOR: B, subanalysis of a meta-analysis). © Copyright 2014 Family Physicians Inquiries Network, Inc.
