Effect of perineum protection cooperated by two operators in the forceps-assisted vaginal delivery: a case-control study.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effect of unique skill of perineum protection in forceps delivery on the maternal and neonatal morbidity.

METHODS

A case-control study was conducted. Singleton pregnancies with forceps-assisted and normal vaginal deliveries were recruited. The maternal and neonatal complications were compared between forceps and normal deliveries.

RESULTS

Five hundred forty participants were included. The prevalence of maternal anal sphincter injury, postpartum hemorrhage, vaginal hematoma, cervical laceration, perineal wound infection, perineal wound dehiscence, dyspareunia, urinary incontinence, and anal incontinence were not significantly different between forceps and normal deliveries (p > .05). However, the rate of neonatal facial injury was higher in the forceps group (2.9% versus 0, p = .004).

CONCLUSIONS

Cooperation according to the tension of perineum and labor process between obstetrician and midwife is important for perineum protection. Forceps-assisted delivery concentrating on perineum protection is an effective alternative in decreasing maternal morbidity.