Abstract
Objective
To determine the relationship between antenatal vulvovaginitis and birth-related perineal tear.
Methods
An analytical cross-sectional study with 100 postpartum women, ≥18 years of age, who gave birth vaginally to a single, live, full-term baby in cephalic presentation at a midwife-led birth center. Data were collected from the antenatal and birth record and by structured interview of participants. Distribution of continuous and categorical variables according to perineal tear were compared by using the Student’s T-test, Chi-square and Fisher Exact tests. For variables significantly associated with perineal tear, the Odds Ratio with logistic regression models was estimated. Multiple regression models were adjusted to evaluate the independent effect of variables. Statistical significance was considered at a level p<0.05.
Results
mean of participants’ age 23.1 years, 16% labor induced with misoprostol, 54% synthetic oxytocin infusion in labor, 83% lithotomy birth position, 98% “hands on” maneuver, 75% perineal tear, 54% antenatal vulvovaginitis, mean of newborn birth weight, head and thoracic circumference: 3.102g, 33.3cm and 32.2cm, respectively. Antenatal vulvovaginitis (p=0.005) and newborn birth weight (p=0.006) and head circumference (0,027) were associated with perineal tear. The multiple analysis showed that women who had antenatal vulvovaginitis had a 4.6 (IC 95%:1.712-14.125; p=0.004) chance of sustaining perineal tear compared to those without vulvovaginitis, regardless of newborn birth weight (OR:1.182 IC 95%:1.002-1.415; p=0,056) and head circumference (OR:1.160 IC 95%: 0.721-1892; p=0.544). There was no association between treating antenatal vulvovaginitis and perineal tear (p>0,999) or antenatal vulvovaginitis and perineal tear severity (OR: 1.061 IC 95%: 0.383-3.069; p=0.911).
Conclusion
This study demonstrates an associated risk between antenatal vulvovaginitis perineal injury. It is necessary to prevent and treat antenatal vulvovaginitis, and offer proper perineal care to women who have had antenatal vulvovaginitis during childbirth.
Birth injuries; Vulvovaginitis; Pregnancy; Prenatal care