Introduction: Pregnancy and childbirth are one of the factors that greatly affect a woman even after this period. In this diploma thesis, we were focused mainly on pregnancy and techniques of preparation of perineum for the childbirth. In the empirical part are presented the results of the meta-synthesis studies of perineal massage effects in pregnancy on the incidence of injuries of perineum during childbirth and the acceptability of massage for women. Purpose: The purpose of the diploma thesis is to collect and examine all the latest facts in connection with the perineal massage in pregnancy and the outcome of childbirth for the mother. We would like to establish whether the perineal massage is an effective technique for preparing a perineum for delivery. With the meta-synthesis of scientific studies, we will investigate the researched claims regarding the benefits of perineal massage during pregnancy. Methods of work: In diploma thesis a descriptive method of working with a qualitative meta-synthesis of scientific literature was used, where we focused on Slovene, English and German language. The literature search was carried out by using following databases: COBBIS, DiKUL, CINAHL, Cochrane, MEDLINE, ProQuest, Science-Direct and Springer Link. The keywords for which the search was conducted were: perineal massage AND pregnancy. The selection criteria were the entire availability of the text and the language. Search timeout were sources after completing the Cochrane Review from 2013 onwards. Results: Meta-synthesis of 4 studies has shown that the perineal massage affects the occurrence of injuries to either the spontaneous or the iatrogenic injuries. In the group where women were massaging the perineum a minor incidence of injuries was noticed. After research analysis it was discovered that the perineal massage is appropriate for both the woman and her partner. Discussion and conclusion: Injuries to the perineum occurred during the childbirth are strongly correlated to the quality of life of a woman after childbirth. Studies dealing with perineal massage in pregnancy are very few in number and low quality, which means that the strength of evidences is not at the highest, level as well. Nevertheless, in the thesis we can confirm the stated claims that the perineal massage reduces the possibility of damage to the perineum and that the perineal massage in pregnancy is acceptable for both the pregnant woman. Studies also do not indicate side effects therefore perineal massage can be recommended to the pregnant women.
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