Should I do perineal massage in pregnancy?
You’ve probably heard about perineal massage and you may be contemplating if it is something to try. This blog post explores HOW and WHY perineal massage may be a great idea for you.
Firstly, what on earth actually IS my perineum?
The perineum is the area of skin between your vagina and your anus.
What is Perineal Massage?
Perineal massage is gentle stretching of your perineum using your fingers or thumbs. It is believed that perineal massage can increase the “stretchiness” of your perineum and reduce your chances of tearing during labour or needing an episiotomy.
Should I do Perineal Massage in pregnancy?
It is thought that massaging the perineum during pregnancy may increase muscle and tissue elasticity and make it easier to avoid tearing during a vaginal birth. Studies have shown that it can be effective for first time mums. Second time mums and beyond it hasn’t been shown to have benefit. However, there’s no harm in doing it if you’ve had a baby before – it’s totally up to you. You can do it yourself, or can you ask your partner to help. Perineal massage appears to be beneficial for women who are having their first vaginal delivery. So whilst I say first-time mums, it is also beneficial if you had a previous cesearean and this will be your first vaginal delivery
When should I start?
It is recommended to start doing perineal massage around 3 times a week from 34 weeks pregnant.
What else can I do to reduce my chances of tearing in pregnancy?
If you don’t want to do perineal massage for whatever reason, that’s okay! Not doing it doesn’t mean you are going to tear. There are other things you can do to reduce your chances of tearing:
- A warm compress. Having a warm compress held on your perineum during the pushing stage can support the area. Your birth partner can do this or you can ask your midwife. If you’d like your midwife to take this hands-on approach, pop it on your birth plan.
- Position. Pushing on your left side, on all fours, or kneeling have been shown to lessen tears.
- Communication. Blow and don’t push when your midwife says. This is so baby’s head can be born slowly. At a specific point, your midwife can tell you to blow – like you’re blowing out individual candles one after the other – and can help baby’s head to be born slower and reduce the likelihood of tearing.
- Pelvic floor exercises during pregnancy. These strengthen the muscles and can help during labour and also in the healing process afterwards.
Head here to our Instagram to see Beth demonstrating how to best massage your perineum in pregnancy to reduce the likelihood of tearing.
Photo Creds: @brittanitaylorphotography
