Comparison of Finnish and Viennese Techniques for Perineal Protection in Women During the Second Stage of Labor

Comparison of Finnish Versus Viennese Technique for Manual Perineal Protection in the 2nd Stage of Labor

The goal of this clinical trial is to find out which method of protecting the perineum during childbirth works better in reducing tears in first-time mothers. The study will compare two commonly used techniques-Finnish and Viennese manual perineal protection-during the second stage of labor. It will also assess whether these techniques are safe and practical to use.

The main questions it aims to answer are:

1. Does the Finnish technique reduce the number of perineal tears compared to the Viennese technique?
2. Are there any differences in labor outcomes or complications between the two techniques?

Researchers will randomly assign 60 pregnant women (first-time mothers with full-term, single pregnancies) into two groups. One group will receive the Finnish technique, while the other group will receive the Viennese technique during the second stage of labor.

Participants will:

• Be enrolled when they are in active labor and planning a normal vaginal delivery
• Be randomly assigned to one of the two perineal protection techniques
• Have their labor monitored, including the duration of different stages of labor
• Undergo a clinical examination after delivery to check for any perineal tears

A trained obstetrician who is not aware of which technique was used will examine the mother after delivery to ensure unbiased assessment. Any tears identified will be treated according to standard hospital guidelines.

By comparing these two techniques, this study aims to identify the safer and more effective method to reduce perineal injury during childbirth, which may help improve maternal outcomes and quality of care.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Full-term (37 - 42 weeks, assessed through LMP)
• Singleton pregnancy (assessed on antenatal scan)
• Primigravida
• In active labor

Exclusion Criteria:

• Fetal presentation other than cephalic (confirmed on USG)
• Patients converted to cesarean delivery