Is Ritgen's maneuver associated with decreased perineal lacerations and pain at delivery?

Different techniques have been studied to prevent the risk of perineal trauma during labor and post-partum pain. Limited information is available on the effect of Ritgen's maneuver. The aim of this review was to analyze whether Ritgen's maneuver during vaginal delivery has an effect on the risks of perineal trauma. Electronic databases were searched from their inception until April 2018. No restrictions for language or geographic location were applied. We included all randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing the use of Ritgen's maneuver with a control group in women with singleton gestation and cephalic presentation at ≥37 weeks. Ritgen's maneuver was defined as an upward pressure from the coccygeal region to extend the head during vaginal delivery. Trials evaluating other technique (e.g. hands-on, perineal massage, warm compresses, etc.) were not included. All analyses were done using an intention-to-treat approach. The primary outcome was severe perineal laceration, defined as either third- or fourth-degree lacerations. Meta-analysis was performed using the random-effects model of DerSimonian and Laird to produce summary treatment effects in terms of either a relative risk (RR) with 95% confidence interval (CI). Three trials including 1589 women were analyzed. Ritgen's maneuver was usually done by a midwife in the second stage during uterine contraction and/or during the crowning process. Pooled data showed no significant differences in the incidence of severe perineal lacerations (RR = 0.69, 95% CI = 0.10-4.61), and a higher risk of post-partum pain (RR = 1.95, 95% CI = 1.13-3.38). Ritgen's maneuver during labor is not protective for severe perineal lacerations and is associated with higher post-partum pain.