PERINEAL MASSAGE DURING PRENATAL CARE IN PRIMIPAROUS WOMEN: KNOWLEDGE, ACCEPTABILITY, AND THE IMPORTANCE OF PROFESSIONAL GUIDANCE

Abstract

The objective of the present study is to assess pregnant women's knowledge regarding prenatal perineal massage, identify the limitations encountered in its practice, and analyze the educational effects of physiotherapy guidance programs on the technique. This is an integrative review conducted using a qualitative approach, based on the following databases: Scientific Electronic Library Online (SciELO), Public Medical Database (PubMed), and ScienceDirect. Randomized clinical trials, systematic reviews, meta-analyses, cross-sectional studies, and case studies published between 2020 and 2026 were included. Overall, the studies demonstrate a discrepancy between pregnant women's knowledge about the possibility of perineal trauma and strategies for its prevention, indicating that pregnant women feel a greater need for guidance from healthcare professionals, in addition to demonstrating an interest in learning more after being questioned about the technique. The findings suggest that professional guidance during prenatal care may contribute to increasing pregnant women's knowledge, improving their understanding of the technique, and enhancing their confidence in performing perineal massage.