12/01/2026
Were you advised to use a warm compress during birth?
Using a warm, moist compress on the perineum during the second stage of labour (the pushing stage) is a simple yet powerful tool that can reduce the risk of severe perineal tearing, specifically third and fourth degree tears.
🔹 Where is it applied?
The compress is applied directly to the perineum—the area between the vaginal opening and the anus—during pushing. It is usually held gently against the area by your midwife as the baby begins to crown.
🔹 How warm should it be?
The temperature should feel comfortably warm to touch, but it should not be hot enough to burn. The cloth is usually soaked in warm water, wrung out, and reapplied as needed.
🔹 What can I use?
Use a clean wash cloth or sanitary pad, run under the warm tap wring it out and apply!
🔹 What does the evidence say?
- A 2017 Cochrane Review and subsequent meta-analysis (Magoga et al., 2019) showed that warm compresses significantly reduce the risk of third- and fourth-degree tears, lowering rates from 5.8% to 1.9%.
- Warm compresses can also increase the chances of an intact perineum, reduce the need for episiotomy, and are associated with less postpartum perineal pain.
- Those who have given birth have reported that warm compresses feel comforting and help them feel more supported and in control during crowning.
So why use it? Well it is a non-invasive, cost-effective, and simple tool making it an excellent option to pop in to your birth plan!
birth postpartum perinealtrauma
