Simple massage during labor may cut down on stitches and tears
NCT ID NCT07374497
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This study tests whether a gentle massage technique applied during labor can reduce the need for episiotomy (a cut to widen the birth opening) and lower the risk of perineal tears. Researchers enrolled 202 women giving birth vaginally at a hospital in Pakistan, randomly assigning half to receive the massage plus standard care and half to standard care alone. The massage is performed by a trained doctor using lubricant during the first stage of labor and again near the second stage. The goal is to see if this simple, low-cost approach can make childbirth safer and less traumatic for mothers.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- perineal massage
- What this could lead to
- If it works, this simple technique could reduce the need for episiotomy and lower the risk of severe perineal tears during childbirth.
- What could go wrong
- This is a single-center trial with 202 participants, so results may not apply to all hospitals or populations. The massage may not significantly reduce tearing or could cause discomfort.
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Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
-
Not a phased trial
Phase numbers describe drug development. The registry uses this when they do not apply, as it does for trials of devices, procedures or behaviour changes, and for observational studies.
- Participants
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202 people
The number who actually took part.
- Started
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Sep 2025
- Expected to finish
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Feb 2026
An estimate. End dates often move.
- Lead sponsor
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A government agency
The lead sponsor is a government body.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
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18 to 45 years
- Sex
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Female participants only
- Healthy volunteers
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Not accepted
This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.
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Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: * Patients aged 18-45 years * Primigravida and multigravida women in active labor. * Singleton, cephalic presentation of the fetus. * Women who provide informed consent to participate in the study. * Women at Term pregnancy (37 - 42 weeks). Exclusion Criteria: * Women with placental abruption, vaginal bleeding, macrosomia, fetal distress, vaginal infections, placenta previa and preterm births. * Non-vertex fetal presentations such as breech. * Women scheduled for a cesarean section. * Pregnancies with multiple gestations (e.g., twins, triplets). * Presence of active genital herpes or other contraindications to vaginal birth (HIV). * Active vaginal infections, including bacterial vaginosis or yeast infections.
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Genom att skicka in godkänner du våra Användarvillkor
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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Sheikh Zayed Medical college/hospital
Rahim Yar Khan, Punjab Province, 75000, Pakistan
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