Women's perceptions of intrapartum perineal care

Background/Aims Obstetric anal sphincter injuries have serious and occasionally lifelong impacts on women's physical and mental health. In the UK, the incidence of these injuries appears to be rising. While there is a significant body of literature on interventions aimed at reducing such injuries, little is known about how women perceive these interventions. The aim of this review was to investigate women's experiences of intrapartum perineal care and how midwifery care can optimise women's birth experience in this respect. Methods This extended literature review searched CINAHL, Medline and Pubmed for studies conducted between 2013 and 2023, with no restrictions on type or region. The data were described narratively, organised into different interventions used. Results A total of 12 articles were included. Episiotomy and obstetric care bundles dominated the literature. Most studies used quantitative methods to investigate women's perceptions, limiting the depth of understanding. Elements of the obstetric anal sphincter injury bundle were not acceptable to many women and may have caused some women long-term emotional and physical pain. Conclusions Further research is needed to determine how midwifery care can optimise women's birth experience with regard to perineal care. Implications for practice Maternity staff must consider the impact of intrapartum perineal care interventions on women's birth experiences.