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Anal dilation during labor
Author(s) -
Kalis Vladimir,
Karbanova Jaroslava,
Bukacova Zuzana,
Bednarova Barbora,
Rokyta Zdenek,
Kralickova Milena
Publication year - 2010
Publication title -
international journal of gynecology and obstetrics
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.895
H-Index - 97
eISSN - 1879-3479
pISSN - 0020-7292
DOI - 10.1016/j.ijgo.2009.11.024
Subject(s) - medicine , perineum , anus , anal sphincter , cervical dilation , anthropometry , external anal sphincter , dilation (metric space) , surgery , pregnancy , rectum , anal canal , gestation , biology , genetics , mathematics , combinatorics
Objective To determine the incidence and range of anal dilation during the final phase of the second stage of labor and shortly after delivery; determine whether parity affects anal dilation; and obtain anthropometric data for future projects. Methods The anal diameter was measured on admission, when the fetal head crowned, and after suturing perineal injury in 142 women delivered between August 2008 and May 2009 at University Hospital Pilsen and District Hospital Klatovy, in the Czech Republic. Results The anus was dilated during the second stage of labor in all women, and differences between primiparas and multiparas were not significant. The medians for both the anteroposterior and transverse diameters were 25 mm. No measured variable was statistically associated with anal sphincter dilation. Conclusion Anal dilation during the second stage of labor causes anthropometric changes to the perineum. This ought to be considered when designing anthropometric studies and in studies aiming at minimizing anal sphincter trauma during delivery.