Antenatal Anovaginal Distance, a Potential Indicator of Perineal Damage during Pregnancy.

Background/objectives: Perineal injuries, including episiotomies and spontaneous tears, are common complications during childbirth, often leading to significant discomfort and prolonged recovery for women. This retrospective observational cohort study aimed to explore the relationship between antenatal anovaginal distance (AVD) and the incidence of perineal injuries in a cohort of pregnant women evaluated for pelvic floor health at 28 to 32 weeks of gestation.

Methods: Conducted at the University Hospital of Padua over 18 months, the study included 416 women who underwent vaginal delivery at term.