The protective value of perineal massage during pregnancy has been evaluated in two randomised trials. In the United Kingdom, a trial of 861 nulliparous women found a non-significant benefit of 6% in the prevalence of perineal trauma (75% v 69%, P < 0.07). In a trial from Canada of women having their first vaginal delivery, researchers hypothesised that antenatal perineal massage would result in an increase in the rate of intact perineum of 10%. They found a nonsignificant increase of 9% (from 15% to 24%). At follow up three months postpartum there was no difference in perineal function between women who had or had not received perineal massage.