Perineal Massage: What Is It And How To Do It

So you’ve probably heard or read about how perineal massage will help a natural birth. But what exactly is it? And how can you do it on your own?

What is a perineal massage?

The perineum is the area right between your anus and vagina. Many doctors will recommend during a perineal massage during the last weeks of pregnancy to help the area be more flexible during delivery and avoid vaginal tearing.

Benefits of a perineal massage

• During childbirth, the perineum stretches and thins out to accommodate baby’s head. This will most likely result in vaginal tearing – we’re talking about a tiny human being’s head here! By practicing perineal massage consistently, it helps to widen the birth canal.
• It is able to reduce the chances of tearing or reduce the extent of the tear. Lesser tearing means a faster recovery!
• Helps to reduce the chances of needing an assisted delivery.

That said, during the perineal massage religiously does not guarantee a tear-free birth! Tearing is almost inevitable for most women, but this exercise and reduce the extent of the tear.

How to do it?

• Make sure that your hands are clean. You may find the massage more comfortable if your nails aren't too long.
• Choose a comfortable position. This could be sitting or lying down, or you could try standing with one foot on a chair. You could even try doing the massage in the bath or shower, where the warm water will help to soften your perineum.
• Put some vitamin E oil or pure vegetable oil on your fingers and thumbs, and around the entrance to your vagina.
• Place your thumbs inside your vagina. Press them firmly towards your perineum and against the sides of your vagina until you feel a tingling.
• Firmly massage in a U-shaped motion. Move from the sides of your vagina downwards to your perineum, and back up again. To start with, you should aim to do this for about a minute. But with practice, you may be able to continue the massage for up to five minutes.

When and how often should I do it?

Start perineal massage when you are 34 weeks pregnant and aim to do it at least once a week or twice a week. Doing it more than this may not decrease your risk of episiotomy or tear any further. But it could lessen the pain you have in your perineum in the months after your baby's born. 

The important thing is to find a routine that works for you and stick to it! Perineal massage shouldn't hurt, though it may feel a bit uncomfortable, particularly at first, or if you have a lot of pressure in your groin.

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