Contents
Perineal massage is a great way to prepare for an easy delivery. But when is the best time to start? Read on to find out!
Checkout this video:
Introduction
Perineal massage is a technique used to stretch the perineum, the area between the anus and vulva or scrotum. It’s sometimes used during pregnancy as a way to prepare the perineum for childbirth, or after childbirth as a way to help heal the perineum.
Perineal massage may help reduce your risk of tearing or needing an episiotomy (a surgical cut) during childbirth. It may also help you heal and feel better after childbirth.
If you’re pregnant and interested in perineal massage, talk to your healthcare provider first. You can start massaging your perineum anytime after 34 weeks of pregnancy.
What is Perineal Massage?
Perineal massage is a technique used to massage the perineum, the tissue between the vagina and anus. The purpose of perineal massage is to reduce the risk of tearing during childbirth.
A recent research study found that women who received perineal massage during pregnancy were less likely to tear during childbirth. In the study, 70% of women who received perineum massage did not tear during childbirth, compared to 55% of women who did not receive perineal massage.
Perineal massage may also help to reduce the pain of childbirth. In a small study, women who received perineal massage during pregnancy rated their pain during childbirth as “mild” or “none”, compared to women who did not receive perineal massage, who rated their pain as “moderate” or “severe”.
You can start doing perineal massage at any time during your pregnancy. It is most effective if you start around 34 weeks of pregnancy and do it for 5 minutes, 5 times a week.
When to Start Perineal Massage
Generally, it’s recommended that you start perineal massage around week 34 or 35 of your pregnancy, though you can begin sooner if you like. It’s best to do the massage regularly, at least 4 times a week, for the 4 weeks leading up to your due date.
How to Perform Perineal Massage
Perineal massage is a technique that is used to prepare the perineum for childbirth. It involves massaging the perineum with oil or cream, using your thumb and fingers.
The purpose of perineal massage is to help the perineum stretch and become more elastic. This can help to reduce the risk of tearing during childbirth, and can also help the baby to be born more easily.
Perineal massage is best started from 34 weeks onwards. It does not need to be done every day, but once or twice a week is ideal. Each session should last for 5-10 minutes.
To perform perineal massage:
-Wash your hands thoroughly.
-Apply plenty of lubricant to your thumbs and forefingers.
-Find the area between the anus and vagina. This is called the perineum.
-Place your thumbs on either side of the perineum, with your fingers pointing towards each other.
-Gently stretch the muscles downwards away from the vagina, using small circles or a back-and-forth motions. Try not to put pressure on the anus itself.
-Continue for 5-10 minutes, then wash off any lubricant and dry the area carefully.
Benefits of Perineal Massage
Perineal massage is a technique that has been shown to help reduce the risk of tearing during childbirth. It involves massaging the perineum (the area between the vagina and anus) with a lubricated finger or two.
There are several benefits of perineal massage, including:
-Reduced risk of tearing during childbirth
-Reduced likelihood of needing an episiotomy (a surgical incision made in the perineum to enlarge the vaginal opening)
-Shorter recovery time after childbirth
-Reduced pain during intercourse after childbirth
Risks and Precautions of Perineal Massage
Before you start perineal massage, it is important to be aware of the risks and precautions. Perineal massage can be uncomfortable, so be sure to take breaks if you need to. If you have any cuts or wounds on your hands, it is important to sterilize them before beginning. You should also make sure to wash your hands thoroughly before and after the massage.
Perineal massage can cause bruising, swelling, or even tearing of the skin. If you experience any of these side effects, please stop the massage and consult your healthcare provider.
