Perineal trauma is one of the common complications that may occur during the second stage of labor and can negatively affect women's postpartum recovery and quality of life. The Ritgen maneuver is a hands-on perineal protection technique performed during fetal head delivery to control the birth of the fetal head and potentially reduce perineal injury. However, evidence regarding its effectiveness remains inconsistent.

This randomized controlled trial aims to evaluate the effect of the Ritgen maneuver on perineal trauma during the second stage of labor. Pregnant women admitted for vaginal birth will be randomly assigned to either the Ritgen maneuver group or the standard care group. The incidence and degree of perineal trauma, episiotomy, and related maternal outcomes will be compared between groups.

The findings of this study are expected to contribute to the evidence base regarding perineal protection techniques during vaginal birth and support the development of clinical practices aimed at reducing birth-related perineal trauma