Perineal Massage in Pregnancy to Reduce the Levator Ani Coactivation

Launched by AZIENDA SANITARIA UNIVERSITARIA FRIULI CENTRALE · Mar 4, 2024

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying whether perineal massage can help reduce the co-activation of a muscle called the levator ani during pregnancy. This co-activation can happen when the muscle tightens instead of relaxing, and it may lead to complications during childbirth. The trial will enroll pregnant women who are having their first baby and are in their third trimester. Participants will be randomly assigned to two groups: one group will learn to do perineal massage themselves, while the other group will receive standard care without the massage.

To be eligible for the trial, women must be between 18 and 40 years old, pregnant with a single baby in the head-down position, and fluent in Italian. They cannot have had previous childbirths, certain health issues, or be overweight. If you choose to participate, you can expect to learn about perineal massage techniques and how they may impact your muscle function during pregnancy. This study is currently recruiting participants to help improve care for women experiencing pelvic floor disorders.

Gender

FEMALE

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria: pregnant women with the following characteristics:
• • nulliparous
• • single pregnancy
• • cephalic presentation of the fetus
• • Italian language fluency
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • multiparous
• • age \< 18 y, age \> 40 y
• • previous urinary or fecal incontinence
• • contraindications to vaginal delivery (such as placenta previa, vasa previa, etc)
• • twin pregnancy
• • language barrier
• • BMI at or \> 30