The purpose of this study was to describe the good treatment of the second stage of childbirth and how to possibly prevent perineal tears during this stage. This study aimed to gather up to date information on the importance of the treatment during the second stage of childbirth.

This study was conducted as a literature review. The data were collected from the literature and the collected data were analyzed and synthesized.

The results showed that it is possible to affect the incidence of perineal tears with certain treatment practices when performed correctly. The results were however partially contradictory and there was too little research done on this subject matter. The results showed that with certain childbirthing positions and techniques used by midwifes, it is possible to prevent perineal tears and also possibly the rate of episiotomies.

The results conducted by this study can be utilized in the treatment of the second stage of labor by using the recommended childbirthing positions, perineum support methods and spontaneous pushing technique. Further studies on this subject, for example investigating the effects of using the Valsalva maneuver and using the hands poised technique and its effects in Finland, should be done.