A new clinical practice to reduce perineal trauma has been adopted by many maternity wards in Sweden. This practice involves collegial midwifery assistance during the second stage of labor and the birth of the baby. The midwife responsible for the birth is the primary carer of the woman and the second midwife observes the birth or assists the primary midwife if asked to. The hypothesis is that the presence and support of an extra midwife will reduce severe perineal trauma (trauma to the anal sphincter (OASI)). The objective of this trial is to evaluate whether collegial midwifery assistance during the second stage reduces perineal trauma grade III-IV.
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Number of women with obstetric anal sphincter injury
Timeframe: 4 hour