Abstract
Manual perineal protection (MPP) is an obstetric intervention performed during the final moments of the second stage of labor. The purpose of the intervention is to minimalize the risk of perineal injury and its consequences such as perineal pain, dyspareunia and anal incontinence.
At the moment there are two MPP techniques described in the literature and considered as a proper execution of MPP. These MPP techniques are, the Finnish and the Viennese techniques.
The evidence from observational prospective studies demonstrated significant reduction of the extent of perineal trauma using MPP. There is also evidence from biomechanical studies that the accuracy, by which the different maneuvers are performed, dependent on the type of MPP technique, is essential for its effectiveness.
Therefore, the main aim of this study was to explore clinicians' knowledge about the different MPP maneuvers in units that advocate a MPP policy. This study took place in three maternity units in different European countries between October 2016 and July 2018.
Despite the availability of information and recommendations about MPP, a large number of midwives and doctors do not feel confident with the technique or its benefits and only very few were able to accurately describe the maneuvers involved. Although this is not necessarily synonymous with suboptimal performance, it highlights the potential need to give more attention to the theory that underpins the technical skill in MPP training programs.