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.
Birralee Birthing Unit, Box Hill Hospital, Box Hill Medical School, Monash University, Victoria, Australia. gab.kovacs@boxhill.org.au
Gabor T
GT
Kovacs
Penny
P
Heath
Campbell
C
Heather
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