First Australian trial of the birth-training device Epi-No: a highly significantly increased chance of an intact perineum.
BACKGROUND
A German report suggested significantly better outcomes in terms of perineal care, second stage length and neonatal outcome for users of Epi-No.


OBJECTIVE
To carry out a pilot study of the first use of the Epi-No birth training device in Australia for women having their first baby.


METHODS
Forty-eight primigravidae having their confinement at Birralee Birthing Unit who used the device compared to all other primigravida who delivered during the same period.


RESULTS
The study shows a highly significantly improved outcome for the perineum when users are compared to primigravid non-user controls. We could not demonstrate decreased instrumental delivery rates nor a better outcome in term of Apgar scores.


CONCLUSIONS
The Epi-No device should be offered as an option to all primigravidae to use during the late third trimester.
Kovacs
Gabor T
GT
Birralee Birthing Unit, Box Hill Hospital, Box Hill Medical School, Monash University, Victoria, Australia. gab.kovacs@boxhill.org.au
Heath
Penny
P
Heather
Campbell
C
D001034:Apgar Score; D001315:Australia; D036861:Delivery, Obstetric / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods; D004106:Dilatation / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods; D004841:Episiotomy / Q000379:methods; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D009321:Natural Childbirth / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D010298:Parity; D018743:Perinatal Care; D010502:Perineum / Q000502:physiology; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011247:Pregnancy; D011446:Prospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome