Risk Factors for Perineal Tears in Normal Vaginal Births

Aim: This research was planned as a prospective, descriptive study for the purpose of determining risk factors for the development of perineal tears in women having vaginal birth. Methods: A total of 537 women were monitored during childbirth in the study. The obstetric conditions that were observed during the second and third stage of labor and episiotomy repair were recorded on the diagnosis form. After delivery perineal tears were classified as first, second, third or fourth degree. These tears were also evaluated according to whether they were present together with episiotomy. Results: Correlations to an advanced degree were found in this study between perineal tears and parity, use of fundal pressure, length of labor, episiotomy time, and use of oxytocin and dolantin (pethidin) as well as between cervical tears and use of fundal pressure. In the logistic regression analysis it was determined that fundal pressure and length of second stage of labor were risk factors for the development of perineal tears. Conclusion: Interventions for shortening the second stage of labor, particularly the use of fundal pressure cause perineal and cervical tears. Therefore, interventions in the management of second stage should be decided and used very carefully.