A Midwife-Led Solution with Proven Benefits

Peripear is based on already established clinical data, showing that using a warm compress on the perineum during the second stage of labour (from full dilation of the cervix to the birth of the baby) reduces the risk of perineal injury by up to 50% and significantly reduces the severity of tearing. 

However, this practice is not being used. 

We asked why.  

The answer is that fundamental practical challenges stand in the way of the application of this key evidence for the benefit of birthing women, families and clinicians. Peripear addresses this unmet need with a safe, comfortable and purpose-designed compress. Our provides consistent warmth and support to the perineum during labour and birth leaving the patient confident and empowered.

Features

  • Applied to the perineum during labour by clinician or patient.

  • Efficient heat storage throughout the 2nd stage of labour.

  • Constructed using medical-grade, hypoallergenic materials.

  • Safe, including unique safety features.

  • Positioned gently to the skin using an innovative solution.

  • Exceptionally gentle to remove and effective in a wet and dynamic environment.

Benefits

  • Increased Confidence: Improved reported confidence and sensation for the birthing woman.

  • Reduced Injury: Reduces the risk and severity of tearing by up to 50%.

  • Pain Management: Improves reported pain levels during and after birth.

  • Episiotomy Reduction: Reduces the need for episiotomy.

  • Intact Perineum: Increases the incidence of an intact perineum.

A large Systematic Review carried out by Sun et al (2024) shows:

Significant effects of warm compress on reducing the second-degree (RR = 0.40, 95% CI: [0.27, 0.59], p < 0.0001, and the third- and/or fourth-degree perineal lacerations (RR = 0.34, 95% CI:
[0.20, 0.57]. The review also concluded that there was an improvement in perineal pain (MD = −0.94, 95%CI: [−1.10, −0.77], p < 0.00001), reduction in episiotomy (RR = 0.69, 95%CI: [0.58,0.83], p < 0.0001) and an increase in intact perineum (RR = 3.36, 95%CI: [1.22, 9.27], p = 0.02). 


Importantly the authors of this review recognise that there is no data currently available on women’s experience of the use of a warm compress. This is something we intend to include in our data capture both for pilot and subsequent studies.
 

https://www.mdpi.com/2227-9032/12/7/702


A 2022 systematic review by Maghalian et al shows similar statistically significant findings in the same key categories: 

Second degree tears: group (RR 0.65, 95% CI 0.54–0.79; P ˂ 0.00001;I2=51%)
3rd degree tears: (RR 0.32, 95% CI 0.15–0.67; P= 0.003;I2=29%)
4th degree tears: (RR 0.11, 95% CI 0.01–0.87; P=0.04; I2=0%;)
Perineal postbirth pain: (SMD − 0.73, 95% CI − 1.23 to − 0.23; P= 0.004; I2 =90%)
Episiotomy: group. (RR 0.63, 95% CI 0.46–0.86; P=0.004; I2=91%)
Intact perineum: (RR 3.06, 95% CI 1.79–5.22; P < 0.0001; I2=82%)

https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00404-023-07195-2

“85% of women sustain some degree of perineal trauma during vaginal birth. As an Obstetrician and Urogynecologist, I see the consequences of this trauma, which, for some women, can have a devastating effect on their quality of life.

There is, therefore, a compelling need to focus on preventative measures and minimise the morbidity that can be associated with vaginal birth.”

Mr Abdul Sultan

World expert in perineal injury and thought leader shaping prevention protocols in the UK, US, and Canada. Obstetrician & Scientific Advisory of the Royal College of ObGyn. Peripear Clinical Advisor.

Find out more

FAQs

  • Peripear gently supports the natural stretch of your perineum (the area between your vulva and your anus) using safe levels of warm compression.

  • We recommend applying Peripear when your cervix is fully dilated or you are starting to feel the spontaneous urge to bear down at the height of surges.

  • Absolutely, our materials are all hypoallergenic and safe to use. We have made detailed risk assessments and found that this is in fact safer than current practice.

  • Yes, we suggest you read our guide to IOL that has loads of hints and tips for planning a positive induction. Peripear is with you all the way!

  • Yes. From the labour ward to home, you can use Peripear anywhere.

  • At Peripear the future of the planet is at the heart of what we do. We are working hard towards making our product as sustainable as possible in the healthcare context. We are on it and will keep you updated every step of the way!