title: Can we find the perfect oil to protect the perineum? A randomized-controlled double-blind trial.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To determine whether perineal massage during the second stage of labor using oil enriched with vitamins, increases the chances of delivering with an intact perineum as compared to perineal massage using pure liquid wax.
  
  
  METHODS
  A prospective, randomized, double-blind study was conducted. Women were assigned to liquid wax (jojoba oil) versus purified formula of almond and olive oil, enriched with vitamin B1, B2, B6, E and fatty acids. The caregivers used the oils during the second stage of labor.
  
  
  RESULTS
  A total of 164 women undergoing vaginal delivery were recruited. No significant differences regarding perineal lacerations, number of sutures and length of suturing were noted between the two groups. Likewise, while analyzing separately nulliparous and multiparous women, no significant differences were noted. Controlling for birth weight >4000 g, using the Mantel-Haenszel technique, no association was noted between perineal lacerations and the type of oil used (weighted OR = 0.9, 95% CI 0.3-2.4; p = 0.818).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The type of the oil used during the second stage of labor for prevention of perineal tears has no effect on the integrity of the perineum. Accordingly, it seems that there is no perfect oil.
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Soroka University Medical Center, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, POB 151, Beer-Sheva, Israel.
authors.forename: Avi
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Harlev
authors.forename: Gali
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Pariente
authors.forename: Roy
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Kessous
authors.forename: Barak
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Aricha-Tamir
authors.forename: Adi Y
authors.initials: AY
authors.lastname: Weintraub
authors.forename: Tamar
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Eshkoli
authors.forename: Doron
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Dukler
authors.forename: Saviona Ben
authors.initials: SB
authors.lastname: Ayun
authors.forename: Eyal
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Sheiner
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001724:Birth Weight / Q000502:physiology; D036861:Delivery, Obstetric / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D004841:Episiotomy / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007744:Obstetric Labor Complications / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D009821:Oils / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D010502:Perineum / Q000293:injuries*; D011247:Pregnancy; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D009821:Oils