EP19.15: Intrapartum assessment of head‐perineum distance: a comparative study of measurements obtained with and without compression of perineal soft tissues

To evaluate and compare the measurements of the head-perineum distance (HPD) obtained with and without compression of the perineal soft tissues. Single-centre prospective observational study was conducted involving a non-consecutive series of singleton pregnancies enrolled during the first and second stage of labour. For the purposes of the study, eligible cases were submitted transperineal sonography to evaluate the HPD, which was performed with and without compression of the perineal soft tissues. The compression shortens the distance between the head and the perineum and is done without causing the patient's discomfort. The relationship between the HPD with and without compression was evaluated by Pearson's correlation and intraclass correlation coefficient. 83 cases were included. A good correlation was demonstrated between HPD with and without compression (Pearson's correlation 0.833, p < 0.01, ICC 0.685, 95%CI(-0.193-0.901) and the mean Delta HPD and Delta HPD percentage was 11 ± 6mm and 22.1 ± 10.4%, p < 0.01. A negative correlation between the Delta HPD and the Delta HPD percentage and the BMI at delivery was also demonstrated (-0.219, p = 0.047 and -0.251, p = 0.02, respectively). Findings from our study suggest a good correlation and reproducibility between the HPD measured with and without compression. Body mass index at delivery may impact on the magnitude of the difference of the two measurements. Please note: The publisher is not responsible for the content or functionality of any supporting information supplied by the authors. Any queries (other than missing content) should be directed to the corresponding author for the article.