Evaluation of the Safety and Efficacy of Equisetum arvense Cream on Perineal Trauma in Nulliparous Women With Striae Gravidarum: A Randomised Controlled Clinical Trial

Introduction

Perineal Trauma (PT) is common during childbirth, and it affects women's health. Women with Striae Gravidarum (SG) are at greater risk for PT due to poor skin elasticity. Equisetum arvense has effective compounds that increase skin elasticity due to its collagen production and strengthening of connective tissue. This study aimed to determine the effect of Equisetum arvense cream (EAC) on the rate of PT in nulliparous women with SG.

Methods

The present clinical trial study was conducted on 63 nulliparous women with moderate and severe SG who visited the prenatal clinics of Mashhad in 2020-2021. The individuals were assigned to the intervention and placebo groups. The participants smeared the perineum and vagina with a knuckle of 3% EAC or placebo every night, from the beginning of 37-38 weeks until delivery. After delivery, the degree, length, and depth of perineal laceration or episiotomy were measured.

Results

The rate of episiotomy was significantly lower in the intervention group than in the placebo group (27.3% vs. 56.7%, p = 0.018). The rates of intact perineum, mucosal scratch, first and second degree tears were 29.2%, 37.5%, 33.3% and 0.0% in the intervention group, and 15.4%, 30.8%, 23.1% and 30.8% in the placebo group, respectively (p = 0.037). The mean length and depth of episiotomy and rupture were lower in the intervention group than in the placebo group (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

EAC was effective in reducing perineal trauma. Therefore, the use of EAC during pregnancy is recommended as an effective and uncomplicated herbal approach to prevent PT.