Frequency of Episiotomy and Perineal Injury in Home Births and Influencing Factors

Objective: Women may choose home birth to avoid medical interventions such as episiotomy, as midwife-assisted births involve fewer interventions and support the physiological birth process. The aim of this study is to examine perineal outcomes (episiotomy and perineal injury) in planned home births and the associated factors. Methods: This descriptive study was conducted between August 2021 and January 2022. The sample consisted of 159 women. The data were collected by using the Personal Information Form and Satisfaction Scale (Visual Analog Scale-Satisfaction). Results: Participants preferred home birth for reasons such as preserving privacy, avoiding IV oxytocin use, having their spouse present during labor, and preventing episiotomy. Intact perineum was observed in 33.3% of participants, while 17.0% underwent episiotomy, and 51.6% experienced perineal injury requiring suturing. Multiparity and flexible sacrum positions were associated with a higher rate of perineal integrity, while multiparity was also linked to a higher risk of perineal injury requiring suturing. Participants received midwifery support during home births and reported high levels of satisfaction with the care they received. Conclusion: The rate of episiotomy and perineal injury was low in-home births. These results show that women's preference for home birth enables them to avoid medical interventions. Midwives and nurses are recommended to provide pregnant women with the necessary information to help them determine a safe place for childbirth.