The use of liquid vaseline in the perineal region during normal birth

Perineal trauma occurs frequently during vaginal birth and some techniques, among which the use of vaseline, have been utilized to reduce this damage. The objectives of this study were: to verify the frequency, location, and degree of perineal laceration, associating the latter with the use of liquid Vaseline on the perineum during the second stage of normal birth; to identify the duration of the second stage relating it to the use of liquid Vaseline in the perineal region; to associate the occurrence of perineal lacerations with birthweight, maternal weight and parity. This is a randomized controlled clinical study undertaken in the Centro de Parto Normal [Normal Birth Center] of the Amparo Maternal Maternity, a philanthropic institution located in the city of Sao Paulo. The sample was composed of 76 women in labor with no previous vaginal deliveries, distributed in two groups: an Experimental Group - 38 women in labor whose perineal region was lubricated with Vaseline during the second stage; and, the Control Group - 38 women in labor whose perineal region was not lubricated with Vaseline during the second stage. The results indicate that the frequency of perineal laceration was similar in both groups ( 63.2% of the experimental group versus 60.5% of the control group). First degree lacerations predominated in both groups (72.3%) and the location where laceration occurred most frequently was the posterior perineum (53.2%), with no statistical difference between groups. There wasn't any statistical difference between the groups as to the duration of the second stage of labor. It was observed that applying Vaseline in the perineal region did not reduce lesions in the pelvic floor nor in the condition of the perineum independently of birthweight, maternal weight and parity. The prevention of perineal trauma may be associated to other factors, such as the degree of relaxation of the perineal muscles of each woman, smaller birthweight, spontaneous distention, slow fetal detachment, maternal position during delivery, and the experience of the professional assisting the woman in childbirth