How do perineal wounds heal?

Find out how to care for perineal wounds and factors that can prevent healing.

Perineal trauma is the most common complication of childbirth. Midwives need a good knowledge base of tissue trauma, classification of perineal wounds, wound healing, factors that can inhibit healing and adequate pain relief methods, to enable them to give the best possible care to women in the postnatal period.

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In this Perineal Care Supplement, British Journal of Midwifery looks at key areas of this topic. These are just a few of the issues addressed in this supplement published by BJM:

• How are perineal wounds classified?
• What are the phases of perineal wound healing? What factors affect perineal wound healing?
• Should second degree perineal tears be sutured or not?
• Is lavender oil safe to use when treating perineal trauma?
• How effective are ice packs and gel pads in the treatment of perineal trauma?
• Have health professionals misunderstood the HOOP trial? Should midwives be using a ‘hands-on’ approach to help women maintain an intact perineum in childbirth?

Do not miss out on this exclusive Perineal Care Supplement brought to you by British Journal of Midwifery, the leading clinical journal for midwives. Published each month, the journal is written by midwives for midwives and peer reviewed by some of the foremost authorities in the profession. It contains the best clinical reviews, original research and evidence-based articles, ensuring that midwives are kept fully up-to-date with the latest developments taking place in clinical practice.