Use of Lubricant Gel to Shorten the Second Stage of Labor During Vaginal Delivery
Use of Lubricant Gel to Shorten the Second Stage of Labor During Vaginal Delivery: A Randomized Single-Blind Clinical Trial
Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Honduras
160 participants
Feb 16, 2026
INTERVENTIONAL
Conditions
Summary
This experimental study aims to evaluate whether the application of obstetric lubricant gel during vaginal delivery can significantly reduce the duration of the second stage of labor, preserve perineal integrity, and decrease the need for episiotomies. The study hypothesis is that lubricant gel facilitates fetal passage through the birth canal by reducing friction, shortening the expulsion phase and reducing maternal-neonatal complications. Two groups will be included: with and without gel application. Follow-up will span from admission of the pregnant woman until immediate postpartum discharge.
Eligibility
Inclusion Criteria7
- Signed informed consent form
- Willingness to comply with study procedures
- Age between 18 and 40 years
- Term pregnancy (37-41.6 weeks) with active labor
- Diagnosis of spontaneous labor and planned vaginal delivery
- Fetus in cephalic presentation
- Agreement to comply with lifestyle restrictions during the study
Exclusion Criteria9
- Multiple pregnancy
- Previous cesarean section
- High-risk pregnancy (preeclampsia, uncontrolled gestational diabetes, etc.)
- Presence of fever or active infection
- Contraindication for vaginal delivery
- Refusal to sign informed consent
- Premature rupture of membranes >18 hours without labor
- Known allergy to lubricant gel components
- Participation in another clinical trial in the last 3 months
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Interventions
A single 50 mL dose of sterile, water-soluble, biocompatible lubricant gel applied intravaginally at the onset of the second stage of labor. The gel is applied to the anterior and posterior vaginal walls using sterile technique to reduce friction during fetal descent and expulsion. The product is used according to its approved indications; no modification has been made for this study. Application is performed by trained medical personnel. In case of local adverse reaction (burning, irritation), application will be discontinued and appropriate clinical management provided.
Standard, evidence-based active management of the second stage of labor according to institutional protocol, without the addition of lubricant gel. This includes continuous maternal-fetal monitoring, supportive care, encouragement of spontaneous pushing, and delivery assistance as per routine practice. All aspects of care are identical to the intervention group except for the application of lubricant gel. This represents the current standard of care against which the experimental intervention is compared.
Locations(1)
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NCT07428317