Risk, recognition and repair of perineal trauma

Abstract

The risk of perineal injury during childbirth continues to affect the majority of women. Morbidity associated with perineal injury and repair is a major health problem for women. Therefore, it is vitally important that midwives are educated and trained to recognise risk factors and the extent of perineal injury. Education and training has been shown to assist midwives to gain confidence and clinical skills to suture competently and keep themselves up-to-date with the best available evidence on which to base their care. This article provides an overview of the literature relating to risk, recognition and repair of the perineum during the childbirth continuum.