Peripear’s non-invasive medical device is set to transform preventative perineal care
Peripear is on a mission to transform the experiences of women and birthing people by reducing perineal tearing. The non-invasive medical device aims to minimise long-term complications, enhancing the overall birth experience.
Supporting maternal outcomes for women and birthing people
Peripear is a novel device designed to prevent perineal tearing during vaginal childbirth, addressing a major cause of maternal trauma and long-term complications. This wearable, warm and stretchable device is used during labor to gently support and encourage natural perineal stretching, effectively lowering the risk of injury.
Each year, 85% of vaginal births in the UK result in perineal trauma. By reducing the incidence of tears, Peripear aims to support better maternal outcomes, minimises the need for suturing and recovery care, and alleviates pressure on NHS midwifery and obstetric teams.
This aligns with NHS priorities by improving maternity care, reducing intervention rates, and lowering long-term costs associated with these injuries. Our preventative approach will enhance patient safety, increase workforce satisfaction by enabling best practice, and significantly contribute to long-term maternal and family health outcomes.
Drawing from real-world experiences as a midwife and mother
Peripear was born from co-founder Nina van Shaick’s professional and personal journey as both a midwife and a mother. After a decade of both witnessing and experiencing the devastating impact of perineal trauma on women and families, Nina became increasingly frustrated at the lack of translation of evidence into practice.
Peripear have done extensive engagement with midwives, obstetricians and other stakeholders in the UK, Europe and the Middle East to show that although professionals are aware of the evidence for the use of a warm compress during birth, it is currently used in less than 15% of births. These experiences lead Nina to question whether current best practice, which involves warming a compress using warm water, was really good enough.
Nina brought the issue and the evidence for prevention to strategic leader and scientist Eviatar Natan, who is a friend and fellow parent in their community. Together they have collaborated with clinicians and stakeholders to develop Peripear.
As the team develop the solution, key challenges include access to funding for maternal health innovations and understanding the procurement journey for diverse health systems.
"Birth should empower, not injure"
Peripear has the potential to transform preventative perineal care in vaginal birth for women and birthing people, clinicians, midwives and healthcare systems. The intended impact of Peripear will be profound: fewer birth injuries, improved maternal recovery and reduced strain on NHS resources.
Preventing and reducing the severity of perineal injury means less need for suturing, reduced postnatal pain, and improved mental and physical wellbeing. By optimising physiological birth we can minimise long-term complications, and enhance the overall birth experience for women and birthing people.
From initial concept to prototype development, we have collaborated with mothers , midwives and obstetricians, to ensure our innovation is driven by real-world experiences. We have completed early feasibility testing and secured interest from healthcare professionals who recognise Peripears potential to reduce perineal trauma and improve postpartum recovery.
“I’ve socialised your innovation with a few clinical colleagues who all had the same jaw drop reaction I did.” Specialist Midwife
Unlocking tailored strategic guidance through Accelerating FemTech
The Accelerating FemTech programme has been instrumental in Peripear’s journey, providing mentorship and strategic guidance. We have been able to access to knowledge and resources that are vital to navigating the complexities of bringing a women’s health innovation to market.
Through expert-led workshops, residential sessions and an online community of subject matter experts, we gained incredible insight into funding strategies, regulatory pathways and the NHS procurement processes. Our business coach, Lavinia Pamparau, has been by our side the whole way, bringing her wide experience and expertise as a real advocate for what we are building.
We would wholeheartedly recommend the programme to any entrepreneur in women’s health. If you think “But I’m just a……” yet you have a solution that could bring real impact, then the Accelerating FemTech programme is for you. The combined package of tailored support, collaboration and connection with an extraordinary cohort is an absolute rocket ship for momentum. Thanks to this experience, Peripear is one step closer to making a difference to births around the world.
Next steps
We look forward to updating you with content from our stakeholders and clinical data as our testing stage progresses!
Peripear is part of Accelerating FemTech. Cohort two of the programme runs from November 2024 to March 2025.
Accelerating FemTech is delivered by the Health Innovation Network (HIN) South London, DigitalHealth.London and partners from across the UK. It utilises Innovate UK funding as part of the Biomedical Catalyst, in collaboration with the Medical Research Council.
