Moderate-quality evidence demonstrates a decrease in obstetric anal sphincter injury (OASIS) with the use of intrapartum warm compresses to the perineum and perineal massage, reported Editor in Chief Robert L. Barbieri, MD, in his editorial, “Obstetric anal sphincter injury: Prevention and repair” (May 2021). He also said that warm compresses may enhance the positive sensory experience of women laboring in natural childbirth. A poll for readers asked, “Do you use intrapartum or warm compresses to the perineum or perineal massage in your practice?”
Poll results
A total of 200 readers cast their vote:
65.4% (129 readers) said yes
35.5% (71 readers) said no