Semi-Experimental Study for Decreasing Perineal Trauma through Communication between Midwife and Saudi Woman

Enas A. Assaf and Raana Essa Ageely

Background and Objective: Perineal trauma is one of the serious outcomes of childbirth. Part of the midwives’ role is to reduce the trauma through several measures among which is the use of effective communication and providing valid and clear information. To measure the effect of effective midwife-woman communication during childbirth before administering training and compare the difference of midwives behaviour and attitude to post-training in reducing Perineal trauma. Materials and Methods: A semi-experimental study (pre-test/post-test) was used as 25 midwives were observed during the process of childbirth by using an observational checklist. Followed by intensive three-day simulation training/five hours a day regarding effective communication in reducing Perineal trauma. Followed by observational documentation of the midwife’s behaviour, attitude and communication during childbirth to validate the difference. Results: The results showed that there were significant changes in the midwives behaviour, attitudes and communication with women during childbirth. Perineal trauma cases decreased, along with a decrease in the number of Episiotomy cases. The presence of bleeding during birth decreased significantly (p = 0.012) and the average pain scale also decreased from 7.48-6.96 post-training. Conclusion: Communication and health education during birth can help in reducing Perineal trauma. However, further specific and similar studies at different populations and areas need to be conducted in this regard.

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