Comparison 2. Subgroup analysis: continuous versus interrupted (all layers or skin only)).

Outcome or subgroup title	No. of studies	No. of participants	Statistical method	Effect size
1 Short‐term pain ‐ up to day 10	9	4231	Risk Ratio (M‐H, Random, 95% CI)	0.76 [0.66, 0.88]
1.1 Continuous versus interrupted: all layers	7	3163	Risk Ratio (M‐H, Random, 95% CI)	0.74 [0.62, 0.87]
1.2 Continuous versus interrupted: skin only	2	1068	Risk Ratio (M‐H, Random, 95% CI)	0.89 [0.73, 1.07]
2 Analgesia ‐ up to day 10	6	2971	Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)	0.70 [0.59, 0.84]
2.1 Continuous versus interrupted: all layers	4	1903	Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)	0.64 [0.52, 0.79]
2.2 Continuous versus interrupted: skin only	2	1068	Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)	0.88 [0.63, 1.22]
3 Dyspareunia ‐ up to 3 months' postpartum	8	3197	Risk Ratio (M‐H, Random, 95% CI)	0.86 [0.67, 1.09]
3.1 Continuous versus interrupted: all layers	7	2372	Risk Ratio (M‐H, Random, 95% CI)	0.79 [0.61, 1.03]
3.2 Continuous versus interrupted: skin only	1	825	Risk Ratio (M‐H, Random, 95% CI)	1.17 [0.92, 1.48]