Perineal wound check after a vaginal birth
The Assessment of Postnatal Perineal Wound: Perspectives of Midwives and Women.
This project will try observing and interviewing postnatal women and midwives to see how perineal wound checks are done after a vaginal birth.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 20 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 100 Years |
| Sex | Female |
| Sponsor | Oxford Brookes University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Oxford, Oxfordshire) |
| Trial ID | NCT06551493 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This observational study combines direct observation of postnatal perineal wound assessments with interviews of NMC-registered midwives and recently postpartum women. Participants are midwives working in NHS postnatal wards or community settings and English-speaking women over 18 within ten days of an uncomplicated vaginal birth (first- or second-degree tear or episiotomy). Researchers will document clinical practice, communication and information given to women, and compare current routines with guideline recommendations. Qualitative analysis of observation notes and interview transcripts will identify common practices, gaps, and opportunities to improve postnatal perineal care.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are English-speaking women over 18 who had a vaginal birth within the last ten days with an uncomplicated first- or second-degree tear or episiotomy, and NMC-registered NHS midwives who perform postnatal perineal wound checks.
Not a fit: Women who had a cesarean section, experienced stillbirth or significant neonatal complications, sustained severe perineal trauma beyond first/second-degree tears, or who cannot consent in English are unlikely to benefit from participating.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to clearer guidance and better communication that help women recover more comfortably and confidently after perineal wounds.
How similar studies have performed: Prior research has largely focused on long-term outcomes, immediate management, or severe perineal trauma, with only limited qualitative work showing that poor communication harms women, so routine postnatal wound assessment practices remain underexplored.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: Midwives: * NMC Registered midwives * Working in the NHS * Working in the community or postnatal ward * Who assess perineal wounds Women: * Postnatal women who had a vaginal birth within the last ten days and had an uncomplicated perineal tear (first, second-degree or episiotomy). * Had a healthy newborn (for example, the newborn is not currently admitted to newborn intensive care or the woman did not have a stillbirth) * Located in the community or in hospital being cared for by midwives, within ten days postpartum when postnatal perineal wound assessment occurs. * Over the age of 18, who can consent to participation * English-speaking Exclusion Criteria: Midwives: * Non-registered midwives and those working outside the NHS * Who do not perform postnatal perineal wound assessment due to clinical settings or task restrictions. Women: * Who had a cesarean section * Who had a stillbirth or fetal/neonatal complications * Who had a vaginal birth but sustained severe perineal tears (third or fourth-degree tears) * Who have not received NHS care or are outside standard postnatal locations * Who are over 10 days postpartum at the time of perineal wound assessment * Who are below the age of 18 * Non-English-speaking women
Where this trial is running
Oxford, Oxfordshire
- Oxford University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust — Oxford, Oxfordshire, United Kingdom (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Giada Giusmin
- Email: ggiusmin@brookes.ac.uk
- Phone: 01865603166
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.