Physiotherapy intervention in the prevention of perineal laceration

Abstract

Pregnancy is marked by major hormonal, physiological and anatomical changes in a woman's body. It is the period of preparation for the baby’s birth, through childbirth. A high incidence of spontaneous and surgical perineal lacerations is associated with vaginal birth, bringing serious consequences to women's health. The research has as general objective to discuss about physical therapy intervention, highlighting perineal massage, in view of trauma prevention in the perineum region, as well as to discuss the beneficial effects of the association between the techniques used in prevention. Therefore, the present work is an integrative review and to carry out this study the following descriptors were used: “episiotomy”, “perineal laceration” and “physiotherapy” in languages such as Portuguese and English. The work was carried out between the months of August and November 2021, since during this period a systematic research was carried out on the theme of the work. Studies published between 2010 and 2021 were used, in databases such as: LILACS, MEDLINE/PubMed, SciELO and PEDro. Thus, in order to alleviate the severity of complications and sequelae resulting from perineal trauma, the physical therapist participates in both prevention and health promotion, with physical therapy intervention being carried out in person in the execution of techniques during pregnancy and at the delivery time, and through guidelines for pregnant women to perform the conducts at home. However, given the changes manifested in post-perineal trauma patients, the physiotherapist will have an essential role in order to contribute to childbirth’s promotion with a reduced acerations number, especially those of the third and fouth degrees, contributing to a better life quality for these patients.