Table 2

Unadjusted primary and secondary outcomes measures

OutcomesStudy group (n=88) %Control group (n=83) %Risk ratio
Epidural analgesia21 (23.9)57 (68.7)0.35 (0.23 to 0.52)
p<0.0001**
Spontaneous onset labour62 (70.5)54 (65.1)1.13 (0.82 to 1.57)
p=0.51
Augmentation25 (28.4)48 (57.8)0.54 (0.38 to 0.77)
p<0.0001**
Mode of birth: NVB60 (68.2)39 (47.0)1.56 (1.12 to 2.17)
p≤0.01**
Mode of birth: CS16 (18.2)27 (32.5)0.52 (0.31 to 0.87)
p=0.017*
Mode of birth: instrumental12 (13.6)17 (20.5)0.57 (0.30 to 1.09)
p=0.09
Nitrous oxide (gas)40 (45.5)49 (59.0)0.77 (0.57 to 1.03)
p=0.092
Pethidine19 (20.5)15 (19.3)1.11 (0.78 to 1.56)
p=0.70
Any perineal trauma
†(trauma/VB)
61/72 (84.7)†54/56 (96.4)†0.88 (0.78 to 0.98)
p=0.02*
Major perineal trauma
†(trauma/VB)
49/72 (68.1)†37/56 (66.1)†0.94 (0.57 to 1.55)
p=0.85
PPH13 (14.8)15 (18.1)0.82 (0.41 to 1.61)
p=0.68
Resuscitation (suction±O2/bag and mask)12 (13.6)24 (28.9)0.47 (0.25 to 0.87)
p=0.015*
Apgar <7 (5 min)3 (3.4)4 (4.8)0.99 (0.95 to 1.03)
p=1.0
NICU/SCN admit7 (8.0)11 (13.2)0.59 (0.24 to 1.46)
p=0.25
  • *<0.05; **<0.01.

  • †Percentage is from all vaginal births: denominator=72 in study group and 56 in control group. Major perineal trauma is defined as third or fourth degree tear and episiotomy.

  • CS, caesarean section; NICU, neonatal intensive care unit; PPH, postpartum haemorrhage; SCN, special care nursery.