Use of Warm Compresses During the Second Stage and the Risk of Perineal Tears

There is a controversy regarding whether warm compresses influence the rate of intact perineum after a vaginal delivery. According to a meta-analysis published in 2019 that included 7 randomized prospective trials, approximately 2103 participants, the use of warm compresses during the second stage of labor increased the chance of an intact perineum RR=1.46, decreased the chance of a third degree tear RR=0.38 and grade four tear RR=0.11. The limitations noted in this meta-analysis include non-uniformity in the methods of the studies included in the meta-analysis in terms of the number of participants, the duration of use of the compresses, and the temperature of the compresses. In summary, it is reported that there is a need for more randomized studies. Since there is a need for more randomized studies in the field, the study\'s goal is to conduct a randomized study that will compare the use of warm compresses in the second stage of labor against a standard care control group (almond oil) - in terms of perineal tear that will require suturing.