Routine perineal shaving on admission in labour

Abstract

Background: Pubic or perineal shaving is a procedure performed before birth in order to lessen the risk of infection if there is a spontaneous perineal tear or if an episiotomy is performed.

Objectives: To assess the effects of routine perineal shaving on admission in labour on maternal and neonatal outcomes, according to the best available evidence.

Search strategy: The register of clinical trials maintained and updated by the Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth Group. In addition, the Cochrane Controlled Trials Register was searched. Date of last search: July 2000.

Selection criteria: All controlled trials (including quasi randomised) which compared perineal shaving versus no perineal shaving were included in the review.

Data collection and analysis: Trials under consideration were evaluated for methodological quality and appropriateness for inclusion, without consideration of their results.

Main results: Only two trials fulfilled the prespecified criteria. In the earlier trial, 389 women were alternately allocated to receive either skin preparation and perineal shaving (control) or clipping of vulval hair only (experimental). In the second trial, which included 150 participants, perineal shaving was compared with the cutting of long hairs for procedures only. The primary outcome for both trials was maternal febrile morbidity. No differences were found (combined odds ratio (OR) 1.26, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.75, 2.12). In the smaller trial, fewer women who had not been shaved had gram negative bacterial colonisation compared with women who had been shaved (OR 0.43, 95% CI 0.20, 0.92).

Reviewer's conclusions: There is insufficient evidence to recommend perineal shaving for women on admission in labour.