Many expectant mothers ask themselves whether they can prevent a perineal tear during childbirth. The clear answer is that although the risk of a perineal tear can be reduced, it cannot be completely ruled out. A perineal tear is a common birth injury that occurs when the tissue between the vagina and anus cannot withstand the stresses of childbirth. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), up to 85% of women suffer birth injuries during vaginal birth, including perineal tears.

Why does a perineal tear occur?

Several factors can increase the likelihood of a perineal tear. A very large baby can stretch the tissue extremely due to the large head circumference and birth weight, which increases the likelihood of a tear. An unfavorable position of the baby, for example if the baby's shoulders are wedged, can also increase the risk. Obstetric care also plays an important role: without targeted protection from the midwife or obstetrician, the tissue is under greater strain. The risk of the perineum tearing increases, especially with surgical aids such as forceps or a suction cup, as well as with tight connective tissue.

Types and degrees of perineal tears

A perineal tear can have different degrees of severity:

• First and second degree: Minor, superficial cracks in the skin or muscle layer in the perineum, which often heal without major complications.
• Third and fourth degree: Severe injuries that extend to the sphincter and the mucous membrane of the rectum and require more intensive care.

The consequences of a perineal tear can be stressful and range from problems with bowel movements, incontinence and chronic pain to difficulties during sexual intercourse. It therefore makes sense to care for the tissue in the perineal area at an early stage and prepare it specifically for the stresses and strains during childbirth.

The right preparation and care

Here comes Warm Touch from Forty Weeks – a specially developed cream to support the perineal tissue. Unlike conventional products such as perineal massage oils or vaginal balls, Warm Touch offers a more comprehensive solution. The cream contains natural ingredients like berry wax, glycogen, and caffeine, which specifically provide moisture, promote elasticity, and support the stretchability of the tissue through its warming effect.

The Science Behind Warm Touch

Warm Touch combines two effective findings from research and practice: the effect of moist heat and the invigorating properties of caffeine.

• Heat: Studies show that moist heat during labor can significantly reduce the incidence of perineal tears (Sun et al., 2024).
• Caffeine: Reports, including those from the Böblingen Hospital near Stuttgart, show that caffeine has a gently stimulating effect on the skin and the underlying blood vessels. This effect promotes blood circulation and supports the elasticity and stretchability of the perineal tissue, allowing the ingredients to penetrate deeper into the tissue.

Warm Touch combines these valuable effects in a single cream, providing an ideal care for the targeted preparation of the perineal area before childbirth.

Application and Benefits of Warm Touch

By gently applying Warm Touch, the perineal massage can be optimally complemented. This cream offers significant advantages:

• No risk of vaginal infections, as can occur with conventional massage oils.
• No risk of overstretching, as could happen with vaginal balls.
• A pleasant, warming sensation that has a relaxing effect and gently prepares the tissue for birth.

The soothing warmth of Warm Touch recalls a warm bath and gently prepares the tissue for birth – a thoughtful and safe way for expectant mothers to increase their chances of a tear-free delivery.

Further information at Forty Weeks

Warm Touch was developed in collaboration with pregnant women, mothers, and other experts and is tailored to the needs of expectant mothers. Trust in the relaxing and circulation-promoting effect of Warm Touch and prepare yourself optimally for the birth. Click here to order and for further information:

Warm Touch

Sources:

• German Medical Journal (2023; 120(24): A-1082 / B-928) Injuries of the perineum: Perineal tears during vaginal delivery due to mindful shoulder birth; Lenzen-Schulte, Martina
• Wacker, J., Seehafer, P., Waaldijk, K. (2023). Treatment of Birth Injuries and Fistulas. In: Wacker, J., Rothe, C., En-Nosse, M. (eds) Global Women's Health. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-662-66081-2_12
• Sun et al., 2024. Effects of perineal warm compresses during the second stage of labor on reducing perineal trauma and relieving postpartum perineal pain in primiparous women: A systematic review and meta-analyses. Healthcare, 12(7)
• Morganelli G, et al.: Effect of the "Shoulder-up" Bundle on the incidence of spontaneous perineal injury after vaginal delivery: comparison of two historical cohorts after propensity score matching. Am J Obstet Gynecol MFM May 26, 2023; 101038. DOI: 10.1016/j.ajogmf.2023.101038.
• AOK Magazine, "Perineal Tear: What Lies Behind It and How to Prevent It"
• Fitmacher, "Birth Injuries: How to Reduce the Risk of Perineal Tears & Co."
• German Midwives Journal, "Perineal Massage and Warm Compresses"