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  • Title: Mothers and midwives perceptions of birthing position and perineal trauma: An exploratory study.
    Author: Diorgu FC, Steen MP, Keeling JJ, Mason-Whitehead E.
    Journal: Women Birth; 2016 Dec; 29(6):518-523. PubMed ID: 27237831.
    Abstract:
    BACKGROUND: Studies have associated lithotomy position during childbirth with negative consequences and increased risk of perineal injuries. AIMS: To identify prevalence rates of different birthing position and episiotomy and to explore the differences in perspectives of mothers and midwives about birthing positions and perineal trauma. METHODS: A survey involving 110 mothers and 110 midwives at two hospitals. Participants were mothers who had a vaginal birth/perineal injury and midwives who attended births that resulted in perineal injuries. Perceptions of mothers and midwives were analysed. Pearson's chi-square test was used to measure association between birthing positions and perineal trauma. FINDINGS: Mothers, n=94 (85%) and midwives, n=108 (98%) reported high rates of lithotomy position for birth. N=63 (57%) of mothers perceived lithotomy position as not being helpful for birth. In contrast, a similar number of midwives perceived lithotomy position as helpful, n=65 (59%). However, a high majority of mothers, n=106 (96%) and midwives, n=97 (88%) reported they would be willing to use alternative positions. Majority of mothers had an episiotomy, n=80 (73%) and n=76 (69%) reported they did not give their consent. N=59 (53%) reported they were not given local anaesthesia for an episiotomy. n=30 (27%) of midwives confirmed they performed an episiotomy without local anaesthesia. CONCLUSION: Care is not based on current evidence and embedded practices, i.e. birthing in lithotomy position and routine episiotomies are commonly used. However, this survey did find a willingness to change, adapt practice and consider different birthing positions and this may lead to fewer episiotomies being performed.
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