Want more iVillage? Sign up for our
Newsletters
Childbirth: Perineal Massage Before Labor
In women, the perineum is the muscle and tissue between the anus and the vulva. During childbirth, the perineum stretches and sometimes tears. One way to help prevent tearing is to stretch and massage the perineum for a few weeks before your due date.
Studies show that women who did regular perineal massage reported less perineal pain in the weeks after childbirth. Women having their first vaginal delivery also had lower rates of episiotomy.1
How to do perineal massage
Starting at week 34 of your pregnancy, take about 5 minutes to massage your perineum, three to four times a week. The goal is to get the muscle and tissue used to stretching. At first, it may burn and feel uncomfortable, but this will get better after a few massage sessions.
- Sit with your legs apart and your back supported. You might want to have a hand mirror handy, so you can see your perineum. Or your partner can do the massage for you.
- Put some massage oil on your fingers. (Or you can use a water-soluble vaginal lubricant, such as Astroglide or K-Y Jelly.)
- Place a thumb or finger about 2 in. (5.1 cm) into your vagina, and use it to gently stretch the wall out to the side. Call this 3 o'clock.
- Still pressing and stretching outward, sweep down to 6 o'clock and over to 9 o'clock.
- Repeat for a total of 4 or 5 minutes.
| By: | Healthwise Staff | Last Revised: January 7, 2010 |
| Medical Review: | Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine Sarah Marshall, MD - Family Medicine Kirtly Jones, MD - Obstetrics and Gynecology | |
© 1995-2011 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated. This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.
from
- Facebook is now fueling organ donations
- Military women and suicide: Home safe but not sound
- Still in gear: Injuries don’t stop veterans on 100-day bike trek
- Ask Jenna: I've hit a weight loss plateau. What do I do?
- He poses in a tutu to laugh in face of wife's cancer
- After chemo hair loss, 'henna crowns' help heal
The iVillage Network