A PENRITH clinical trial looks like making childbirth easier.
The trial will be of a simple device that helps stop childbirth-related tears.
The device is likely to prevent incontinence, prolapse and damage to the pelvic floor muscle.
Associate Professor Dr Hans Peter Dietz and Dr Clara Shek from the Obstetrics and Gynaecology department at the Nepean Clinical School, University of Sydney, at Nepean Hospital, are asking for 200 pregnant women between 35 and 37 weeks of pregnancy to help.
``The results may change our view of childbirth and make a real impact on the future of obstetrics,'' Dr Dietz said.
The device is shaped like a balloon and is inserted into the vagina and inflated, stretching the perineum.
After continued use in the last few weeks of pregnancy, the device is expected to reduce the risk of the perineum tearing during childbirth.
In the first trial of its kind, Dr Dietz and Dr Shek are testing how it can affect the higher pelvic floor muscles.
The trial involves women having an ultrasound and an assessment of their pelvic floor.
Half the women will be given the device.
After three months, the women will have an ultrasound and examination to test their pelvic floor muscles.
``It is alarming that 20 per cent of women giving birth to their first baby have the muscle torn while giving birth,'' Dr Dietz said.
The pelvic floor consists of a sling of muscles stretching from the tail bone to the pubic bone, supporting the uterus, bladder and bowel.
Damaged pelvic floor muscles can have long-term effects such as incontinence and painful intercourse.
Pelvic muscle trauma weakens the muscle by about 30 per cent and more than doubles bladder prolapse risk.
Ruth Hart, 36, was asked to take part in the trial by her obstetrician.
Mrs Hart is in her first pregnancy and hasn't had any complications, so she fits the criteria.
She plays sport and knows women who have a weak pelvic floor who have been unable to keep playing sport.
``If I can help find out more about pelvic floor trauma, it's worth every minute,'' Mrs Hart said.
To take part in the trial, call the Obstetrics and Gynaecology department, Nepean Clinical School, at Nepean Hospital on 47341474.