Does combining warm perineal compresses with perineal massage during the second stage of labor reduce perineal trauma? A randomized controlled trial.

Background: Various interventions have been applied to reduce perineal trauma and obstetric anal sphincter injuries (OASIS). The efficacy of warm compresses during the second stage of labor for reducing the occurrence of perineal tears is controversial.

Objective: We aimed to compare rates of spontaneous perineal tears requiring suturing, between women who received warm compresses plus perineal massage vs perineal massage alone.

Study Design: Women admitted to a single tertiary university-affiliated hospital between June 2023 and January 2024 were randomized to receive warm compresses and perineal massage (n=206) or perineal message only (n=206) during the second stage of labor. Excluded were women with a history of third-degree perineal tear, nut allergy, fetal death, Crohn's disease with perineal involvement, or delivery number >5. Participant allocation was concealed until the second stage of labor. The allocated perineal management was implemented at the time of active fetal descent and when the participant felt the need to push. During active maternal pushing, gentle perineal massage with almond oil was performed in both study groups. In 1 group, warm compresses were applied between contractions, for a minimum of 10 minutes and a maximum of 30. The temperature of the warm compresses was kept in the range of 45°C to 59°C. The perineum was protected during delivery with a hands-on technique. After delivery, the perineum was assessed by an intervention-blinded senior midwife and rectal examination was performed for ruling out OASIS. The primary outcome was the rate of perineal tears requiring suturing. Secondary outcomes included the rates of OASIS and episiotomies. A sub-analysis according to parity and an intention-to-treat analysis were performed.

Results: Similar proportions of women treated and not treated with warm compresses had spontaneous perineal tears requiring suturing: 43.7% vs 45.1%, P value=.766. The groups did not differ in the proportions with first-degree tears, 22.8% vs 21.4%, P value=.722; second-degree tears, 21.4% vs 23.8%, P value=.566; and OASIS rates, 0.5% in each. In a sub-analysis according to parity, the proportion with perineal tears did not differ between the 2 groups.

Conclusion: For women treated during the second stage of labor with warm compresses and perineal massage, compared to perineal massage alone, the rate of spontaneous perineal tears requiring suturing was similar.