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Do unsutured second-degree perineal lacerations affect postpartum functional outcomes?
Lawrence M Leeman1, Rebecca G Rogers, Betsy Greulich
1Department of Family and Community Medicine, School of Nursing, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque 87131, USA. lleeman@salud.unm.edu
Background:
To compare the postpartum pelvic floor function of women with sutured second-degree perineal lacerations, unsutured second-degree perineal lacerations, and intact perineums.
Methods:
A prospective cohort of nurse-midwifery patients consented to mapping of genital trauma at birth and an assessment of postpartum pelvic floor outcomes. Women completed validated questionnaires for perineal pain and urinary and anal incontinence at 12 weeks postpartum and underwent physical examination to assess pelvic floor strength and anatomy at 6 weeks postpartum.
Results:
One hundred seventy-two of 212 (80%) eligible women provided follow-up assessment data at 6 or 12 weeks postpartum. Women with an intact perineum (n=89) used fewer analgesics (P<.002) and had lower pain scores at the time of hospital discharge than women with second-degree lacerations (sutured, n=46; unsutured, n=37; intact, n=89) (P
Conclusions:
Women with sutured lacerations report increased analgesic use at the time of hospital discharge compared with women with intact perineums or unsutured lacerations. At 12 weeks postpartum, no differences were noted between groups regarding complaints of urinary or anal incontinence, sexual inactivity, or sexual function.
