This guide explains how to perform a perineal massage during pregnancy to prepare the perineum for childbirth, potentially reducing the risk of tearing or the need for an episiotomy.
If you are pregnant, you are likely advised to have a perineal massage. This is done to warm up the perineal area, which covers the area between the vagina and the rectum, in preparation for the stretching that occurs during childbirth. When massaged regularly, the perineal area can stretch more easily to accommodate the baby, thereby preventing tears in the perineum tissue and reducing the possibility of an episiotomy (cutting of the perineum tissue to give the baby more room to pass through). Perineal massage can be performed by your spouse or partner, but if you wish to do it yourself, here is a guideline.
- Find a private, comfortable area. Perineal massage should be done in an area with a high degree of privacy and comfort. Most women do it in the bathroom, especially after a shower. But whatever place you choose, make sure it has a large mirror so you can easily locate the perineal area.
- Sit with legs apart. Sit in front of the mirror with your knees up and legs spread apart. This resembles a birthing position. Remember to make yourself comfortable once seated.
- Apply oil. The next step is to lubricate your thumbs with jojoba oil, coconut butter, olive oil, or almond oil. You can also use KY Jelly. Two important reminders: Make sure to thoroughly clean your hands before applying oil to prevent infection in the perineal area. Also, trim your nails.
- Insert your thumbs into the vagina. Once your thumbs are lubricated, begin to insert them into your vagina. The safest option is to insert only one to 1 ½ inches of the length of your thumbs. Then, gently apply oil to the perineum tissue.
- Work on the perineum tissue. As you massage oil onto the perineum, gently press and stretch it. A tingling sensation may result, but continue the massage for a minute.
- Press the vagina. Applying some force, start to press the vagina in a circular motion. Then, press the sides of it and down through the rectum. Again, you will feel a tingling sensation when you do this. Just continue pressing for about two minutes until the sensation wanes.
- Stretch the sides of the vagina. Now, begin to slightly and gently stretch and pull the sides of the vagina, moving your thumbs preferably in a U-shape so that you can reach farther down. Do this continuously for around three to four minutes.
Perform the massage no more than twice daily up to the day of delivery. Each session can last up to 10 minutes. The first few attempts might feel awkward, but as you become used to it, you will feel more relaxed and comfortable. In fact, you can even increase the level of pressure you apply. After around a week, you will begin to notice flexibility in the perineum. Whenever you do the perineal massage, keep in mind to always leave the urethra, which sits at the top portion, untouched. Touching this part may result in infection.
Give Yourself a Perineal Massage
This guide explains how to perform a perineal massage during pregnancy to prepare the perineum for childbirth, potentially reducing the risk of tearing or the need for an episiotomy.
If you are pregnant, you are likely advised to have a perineal massage. This is done to warm up the perineal area, which covers the area between the vagina and the rectum, in preparation for the stretching that occurs during childbirth. When massaged regularly, the perineal area can stretch more easily to accommodate the baby, thereby preventing tears in the perineum tissue and reducing the possibility of an episiotomy (cutting of the perineum tissue to give the baby more room to pass through). Perineal massage can be performed by your spouse or partner, but if you wish to do it yourself, here is a guideline.
- Find a private, comfortable area. Perineal massage should be done in an area with a high degree of privacy and comfort. Most women do it in the bathroom, especially after a shower. But whatever place you choose, make sure it has a large mirror so you can easily locate the perineal area.
- Sit with legs apart. Sit in front of the mirror with your knees up and legs spread apart. This resembles a birthing position. Remember to make yourself comfortable once seated.
- Apply oil. The next step is to lubricate your thumbs with jojoba oil, coconut butter, olive oil, or almond oil. You can also use KY Jelly. Two important reminders: Make sure to thoroughly clean your hands before applying oil to prevent infection in the perineal area. Also, trim your nails.
- Insert your thumbs into the vagina. Once your thumbs are lubricated, begin to insert them into your vagina. The safest option is to insert only one to 1 ½ inches of the length of your thumbs. Then, gently apply oil to the perineum tissue.
- Work on the perineum tissue. As you massage oil onto the perineum, gently press and stretch it. A tingling sensation may result, but continue the massage for a minute.
- Press the vagina. Applying some force, start to press the vagina in a circular motion. Then, press the sides of it and down through the rectum. Again, you will feel a tingling sensation when you do this. Just continue pressing for about two minutes until the sensation wanes.
- Stretch the sides of the vagina. Now, begin to slightly and gently stretch and pull the sides of the vagina, moving your thumbs preferably in a U-shape so that you can reach farther down. Do this continuously for around three to four minutes.
Perform the massage no more than twice daily up to the day of delivery. Each session can last up to 10 minutes. The first few attempts might feel awkward, but as you become used to it, you will feel more relaxed and comfortable. In fact, you can even increase the level of pressure you apply. After around a week, you will begin to notice flexibility in the perineum. Whenever you do the perineal massage, keep in mind to always leave the urethra, which sits at the top portion, untouched. Touching this part may result in infection.
Give Yourself a Perineal Massage
By Howtodotips
This guide explains how to perform a perineal massage during pregnancy to prepare the perineum for childbirth, potentially reducing the risk of tearing or the need for an episiotomy.