Abstract

Background: perineal trauma is one of the most common complications of delivery, due to spontaneous perineal tears or to planned surgical incision (episiotomy). Perineal oedema in pregnancy is associated with pain and discomfort during pregnancy and perineal trauma during labor, making postpartum recovery more complicated. Study case: a secundiparous 40 year-old woman, in her 25th week of pregnancy and diagnosed with pregnancy oedema, affecting perineal region. Objectives: for this study case we have analyzed the efficacy of the intravaginal manual lymphatic drainage (IMLD) together with other procedures in reducing perineal trauma, minimizing perineal oedema symptoms, preventing delivery complications and improving postpartum recovery. Results: the application of intravaginal manual lymphatic drainage has reduced perineal pain and discomfort during pregnancy, prevented perineal trauma and minimized postpartum complications. Conclusions: the application of the proposed treatment protocol could serve as a starting point for further studies to evaluate the benefits of the IMLD as a new treatment therapy.