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NCT Number: NCT07537842

Comparison of Finnish and Viennese Techniques for Perineal Protection in Women During the Second Stage of Labor

The goal of this clinical trial is to find out which method of protecting the perineum during childbirth works better in reducing tears in first-time mothers. The study will compare two commonly used techniques-Finnish and Viennese manual perineal protection-during the second stage of labor. It will also assess whether these techniques are safe and practical to use.

The main questions it aims to answer are:

1. Does the Finnish technique reduce the number of perineal tears compared to the Viennese technique? 2. Are there any differences in labor outcomes or complications between the two techniques?

Researchers will randomly assign 60 pregnant women (first-time mothers with full-term, single pregnancies) into two groups. One group will receive the Finnish technique, while the other group will receive the Viennese technique during the second stage of labor.

Participants will:

* Be enrolled when they are in active labor and planning a normal vaginal delivery * Be randomly assigned to one of the two perineal protection techniques * Have their labor monitored, including the duration of different stages of labor * Undergo a clinical examination after delivery to check for any perineal tears

A trained obstetrician who is not aware of which technique was used will examine the mother after delivery to ensure unbiased assessment. Any tears identified will be treated according to standard hospital guidelines.

By comparing these two techniques, this study aims to identify the safer and more effective method to reduce perineal injury during childbirth, which may help improve maternal outcomes and quality of care.

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Key information

Age range

20 year–35 year

Sex eligibility

Female

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Nishtar Medical University

Multan, Punjab Province, 60000, Pakistan

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: No

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

  • Full-term (37 - 42 weeks, assessed through LMP)
  • Singleton pregnancy (assessed on antenatal scan)
  • Primigravida
  • In active labor

Exclusion criteria

  • Fetal presentation other than cephalic (confirmed on USG)
  • Patients converted to cesarean delivery

Treatment and study plan

Finnish Manual Perineal Protection Technique

Procedure

This involves applying pressure with the flexed middle, ring, and little fingers to support the perineum and control delivery of the fetal head. This would reduce perineal stretching and tearing during delivery.

Viennese Manual Perineal Protection

Procedure

This technique includes applying ventral pressure with the ulnar part of the palm while supporting the perineum and controlling fetal head extension at crowning.

Primary outcomes

  1. Perineal Tear

    Time frame: Immediately after delivery (within the third stage of labor)

    Perineal tear will be assessed by clinical examination after delivery. It is defined as any laceration involving the perineal skin, vaginal mucosa, perineal muscles, anal sphincter, or rectal mucosa. The presence or absence of a tear will be recorded.

Other outcomes

  1. Duration of First Stage of Labor

    Time frame: During labor (from onset of active labor to full cervical dilation)

    The first stage of labor is defined as the time from active labor (cervical dilation of 3-4 cm) to full cervical dilation (10 cm). Duration will be recorded in minutes.

  2. Duration of Second Stage of Labor

    Time frame: During labor (from full dilation to delivery)

    The second stage of labor is defined as the time from full cervical dilation to delivery of the baby. Duration will be recorded in minutes.

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Nishtar Medical University

Other

Registry information

Official study title

Comparison of Finnish Versus Viennese Technique for Manual Perineal Protection in the 2nd Stage of Labor

Important dates

Study start
2025
Primary completion
2026
Study completion
2026
First posted
Apr 17, 2026
Registry last updated
Apr 17, 2026

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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