Effects of an intervention program for reducing severe perineal trauma during the second stage of labor.

Background: Obstetric anal sphincter injuries lead frequently to short- and long-term consequences for the mother, including perineal pain, genital prolapse, and sexual problems. The aim of the study was to evaluate whether the implementation of an intervention program in the second stage of labor involving altered perineal support techniques reduced severe perineal trauma.

Methods: All women reaching the second stage of labor and giving birth vaginally to singleton babies at Landspítali University Hospital (comprising 76% of births in Iceland in 2013) were enrolled in a cohort study.