A safer and easier childbirth with Dianatal® obstetric gel
Dianatal® obstetric gel is a gel that eases vaginal delivery and helps to protect the perineum by reducing the friction between the baby and the birth canal during both stages of labour. Dianatal® obstetric gel has been developed and evaluated by obstetric specialists and has been used widely in Europe since its launch in 2007.
Why Dianatal® obstetric gel?
The process of childbirth is divided into two stages.
During the first stage, which is known as the dilation stage, the uterine cervix opens. When the cervix is fully dilated (10 cm), the so-called expulsion stage (or second stage) starts.
With every vaginal birth, the mother has to expend a great deal of energy in order to deliver her baby. If the delivery takes a long time, the energy levels of both the mother and the unborn baby drop noticeably.
Although the baby is surrounded by amniotic fluid and sebum (vernix caseosa), the baby does not glide easily through the birth canal due to the friction between the vagina and the baby.
The friction between the baby and the vaginal wall is very high, but this can easily be reduced with a sterile obstetric gel: Dianatal®.
This discovery was made by Swiss obstetrician Dr. Schaub in 2002. Initial studies at the Swiss Federal Technology Institute indicated that the use of the specially developed obstetric gel reduced various levels of friction by over 50 %. Data from subsequent clinical trials in different obstetric centres demonstrate that the duration of the delivery can be considerably shortened.
During the expulsion stage, the vaginal tissue or the perineum may tear spontaneously. This occurs in approximately 45 % of all births. In certain situations the midwife or obstetrician will normally try to prevent uncontrolled tearing by making a small cut in a safe direction. This incision is called an episiotomy. However, it is not always possible to prevent tearing. The research also showed that the incidence of perineal tearing was reduced considerably when Dianatal® obstetric gel was used.
If the expulsion stage takes too long, it may be decided to use a vacuum pump or a forceps to aid delivery. The obstetrician is the only person who can take this decision.
How does Dianatal® obstetric gel work?
Dianatal® obstetric gel is introduced into the vagina by the obstetrician or midwife after the first vaginal examination, or if the waters have broken and all the amniotic fluid has been discharged. A special applicator is used so this is not unpleasant for the mother or for the unborn child.
The sterile Dianatal® set contains different compositions of the gel, which can be applied by the obstetrician or midwife several times during dilation or expulsion.
The gel forms a smooth bio-adhesive film on the vaginal birth canal, which serves to reduce friction. In primiparous (or nulliparous) women, Dianatal® obstetric gel was found to shorten the expulsion stage by 30 % (26 min) and also to shorten the total duration of the birth by 30 % (106 min) ¹
Dianatal® obstetric gel also aids and eases deliveries for which a vacuum pump or forceps are used.
Dianatal® obstetrifc gel therefore makes childbirth safer, faster and more comfortable. The unborn child and the vagina, pelvic floor and perineum of the mother are protected. The baby glides out of the vagina more easily.
Dianatal® obstetric gel has been developed in Switzerland especially for the facilitation of vaginal births.
It is the only authorised obstetric gel.
1. Obstetric Gel shortens Second Stage of Labour and Prevents Perineal Trauma in Nulliparous Women: a randomized controlled trial on labour facilitation. Schaub AF, Litschgi M, Hösli I, Holzgreve W, Bleul U, Geissbuehler V., Journal of Perinatal Medicine 36 (2008) 129-135
Related Information
Dianatal® Frequently Asked Questions
Pelvic floor fitness
Downloadable Packaging Insert
Additional Information on Dianatal® obstetric gel