Perineal Massage in Pregnancy to Reduce the Levator Ani Coactivation

Trial statusRecruiting
Trial phaseNot applicable
Trial typeInterventional
Biological sexFemale
Age18-40
SponsorAzienda Sanitaria Universitaria Friuli Centrale

About this trial

The goal of this clinical trial is to test the efficacy of the perineal massage in reducing the levator ani muscle (LAM) co-activation. This phenomenon is characterized by the LAM contraction rather than its relaxation during the Valsalva maneuver and it is associated with adverse obstetric outcome. Participants who co-activate will be enrolled and randomized in 2 groups: group A, where women themselves perform the perineal massage during the third trimester of pregnancy and group B, where women undergo the standard care. Researchers will compare these groups to see if the perineal massage is able to reduce LAM co-activation.

Eligibility criteria

Qualifiers

nulliparous

single pregnancy

cephalic presentation of the fetus

Italian language fluency

Disqualifiers

multiparous

age < 18 y, age > 40 y

previous urinary or fecal incontinence

contraindications to vaginal delivery (such as placenta previa, vasa previa, etc)

Trial design

Treatments tested in this trial

  • perineal massage

Treatment groups

58 Participants
are divided into 2 treatment groups