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Perineal Massage Using A Pelvic Wand During Pregnancy

A Pilot Study To Assess The Effect Of Antepartum Perineal Massage Using A Pelvic Wand On Labor Agency And Pelvic Health

Who can join

Ages 18 and older · Women

Inclusion Criteria:

* Pregnant
* Plan to give birth at BIDMC
* Age ≥18 years old
* English language preference
* 32-36 weeks 'gestation

Exclusion Criteria:

* Contraindication to vaginal birth, active genital herpes infection, fetal anomaly requiring cesarean birth).

About the study

There is limited research on the optimal strategy to reduce obstetric laceration, postpartum urinary retention, and postpartum pelvic pain. In systematic reviews, clinician-directed massage of the perineal muscles at the time of birth and patient directed massage of the perineal muscles in the third trimester to inconsistently reduce the incidence of severe obstetric laceration.1,2 However, there is significant heterogeneity of these studies is due in large part to the lack of a standardized protocols and unpredictability of clinician availability to perform perineal massage around the time of birth.

The purpose of this study is to understand how perineal massage with a pelvic wand in late pregnancy and during labor influences one's sense of self-control over the labor process and birth experience.

What is being tested

• Pelvic wand (device)

Sponsor: Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center · Participants: 140 · Started: Oct 1, 2025

Contact the study team

• Ethan Litman, MD · Phone: 617-667-2636
• Ethan Litman, MD · Phone: 617-667-2636

Official record on ClinicalTrials.gov — NCT06986824

Locations in the U.S.

Conditions

• Pelvic Floor Disorders
• Patient Participation

From ClinicalTrials.gov, data retrieved Sep 30, 2026. Each study sets its own eligibility; the study team decides who can join.