(a) Higher incidence of intact perineum (37,4% versus 25.7%, ) (b) Tendency towards decreased episiotomy rate (41.9 versus 50.5%, ) (c) No difference in duration of second stage of labour, APGAR scores, Oxford grading of pelvic muscles, bladder neck mobility, and infections rates
From 37 w to delivery, 15 minutes daily for 14 consecutive days
39 EpiNo users, 248 controls
Directly postpartum
(a) Intact perineum in 46% versus 17% (), perineal tears 28% versus 49% (), episiotomy 26% versus 34% () (b) No difference in second-stage duration, incidence of instrumental delivery, or APGAR scores
Prospective observational single blinded case-control
Episiotomy and perineal tear rates, duration of second stage of labour, analgesic requirements, epidural anesthesia rates, and fetal outcome
Primigravid or after primary cesarean section, no infection
From 38 0/7 to delivery, 10 minutes daily
45 EpiNo users, 45 controls
Directly postpartum
(a) Episiotomy 82% versus 47% () (b) No significance in perineal tears () (c) Intact perineum 9 versus 49% (d) Higher 1-minute APGAR scores () (e) Second-stage duration 29 ± 25 min versus 55 ± 54 min () (f) Less epidural (15.6% versus 35.6%, )