Instead, expect perineal massage to be uncomfortable, including a burning sensation that will help prepare your body for the “ring of fire” many parents describe feeling when baby’s head crowns during delivery. If you are doing the massage yourself, it is probably easiest to use your thumbs. Your partner can use both index fingers. Perineal massage can be performed by a partner for ease of access, but that’s not actually necessary.

finding a relaxing place where you can perform the massage — it’s important you feel relaxed so you get the maximum benefits We have answers to all your questions, plus a step-by-step guide, diagrams, charts, recommended oils, and even a forthcoming video to give you all the details you need about how to do perineal massage! So this one is an absolute no-brainer. Wash your hands, or better yet, wash your hands AND wear gloves. You don’t want any bad bacteria anywhere near your vagina. 2. Find your preferred position It is probably more comfortable to do the massage after a bath, as the warmth of the water can help soften the surrounding tissues.The pressure of giving birth on your perineum means it may tear or need an episiotomy (surgical cut) when your baby is born.

Perineal tears and surgical cuts (episiotomies) require stitching, which can lengthen recovery time after delivery and often cause scarring, pain and urinary or fecal incontinence that can negatively impact your life long after childbirth. The good news is that dedicating just 5 minutes each day during the last several weeks of pregnancy doing perineal massage can prevent trauma to your perineal tissues during childbirth. Importance of Preparing Your Perineum for Delivery

How do I do perineal massage?

Simply follow the same method as before. The only difference is that your partner will use their index fingers rather than thumbs to perform side-to-side and U-shaped downward pressure. During pregnancy, the pelvic floor muscles help to support the baby and need to be relaxed when the baby is born. Pregnancy hormones, extra weight and changes to the muscles and ligaments in the pelvis all cause strain, which can lead to weak pelvic floor muscles and incontinence.

You could also enter a second finger or more and work to spread the vaginal opening wider from 3:00-6:00 and 6:00-9:00 or 3:00-9:00.Use additive-free unscented perineal massage oils such as sweet almond oil or olive oil to avoid irritation and ensure smooth movements. Perhaps that’s why, despite the burning sensation, “Over 75% of women who were taught the correct method for [perineal massage] said they planned to use it in their next pregnancy and 87% said they would encourage their friends to use the technique.” The perineum] is like a spider web of muscles that support the pelvic floor,” Dr. Goldstein explains. “They all basically converge with one another into a single unit. With that said, gentle pressure along or against the belly of the muscle is a great way to start.”

Perineal massage is helpful after a vaginal tear or episiotomy as well after the scar heals. Massage the area to soften the scar tissue. Postpartum, make sure to be very gentle with your pressure as these tissues are still healing. Perineal massage can help lessen the perineal trauma. It can also lessen perineal pain when performed before birth. This is usually after a vaginal delivery. Perineal massage vs. pelvic floor massage during pregnancy It’s possible, although not guaranteed. A number of things can affect whether you tear or have an episiotomy during childbirth. Is there anything else I can do to prevent a tear or an episiotomy? Lubricate your fingers well. It is advisable to use unscented organic based oil like olive, sweet almond or sunflower oil. If you are sensitive to any of these, you can use a water soluble jelly such as KY gel. You need enough to allow your fingers to move smoothly over the perineum and lower vaginal wall. You can also use your body’s natural vaginal lubricant. Do not use baby oil, mineral oil, or petroleum jelly. Your pelvic floor muscles sit at the base of your pelvis. They support your pelvic organs. These muscles hold in pee and poop until you are ready to empty, and have a role in sexual activity and childbirth. These muscles are like any other muscles in your body.The goal of perineal massage is twofold–to improve the elasticity of your perineal muscles to easily stretch during labor, and to prepare your body for the burning sensation that will occur during the transition stage of labor. Wash your hands before beginning, make sure your bladder is empty, and position yourself comfortably. You can do the massage in several positions; semi-sitting, squatting against a wall, or standing with one foot raised and resting on the bath, toilet or a chair. Yet there is something you can do that might help – perineal massage. Research has shown that perineal massage reduces the chance of a perineal tear or episiotomy (Abdelhakim et al, 2020).