Implementation of a perineal massage educational program among primiparas: A historical controlled study

Objective: The purpose of this study was to clarify whether a perineal massage education program for primiparas changes the implementation rate of perineal massage and the factors that influence its implementation. Methods: This is a historical controlled trial. The intervention group consisted of 53 primiparous women over 35 gestational weeks who practiced perineal massage after participating in the educational program. The control group consisted of 59 women who had already completed delivery and filled out a questionnaire. Results: The rate of perineal massage was significantly higher in the intervention group at 83.0% than in the control group at 64.4% (p=0.026). The incidence of perineal lacerations was 36.4% in the intervention group and 42.9% in the control group. In the intervention group, 38.2% of the women began perineal massage on the day of the program, and 90% began it within one week. Over half of the respondents were motivated to practice perineal massage because of prevention of perineal laceration, distribution of massage oil, and explanation using the perineum model. In both groups, the most common reason for not carrying out perineal massage was emotional resistance to touching their perineum. Conclusions: The educational program was found to improve the rate of perineal massage by pregnant women, which suggests that the adequate provision of tools and visual aids for massage contributed to the high rate of the practice. Along with the importance of motivation for implementation, this study also suggests the need for follow-up to ensure that pregnant women could continue perineal massage until delivery.