Perineal massage helps stretch the perineum and make it more elastic so that your baby can come out more easily. It’s really easy. It won’t take long for you to master all techniques!🧐
Perineal massage
💆What is perineal massage?
Perineal massage is a method that helps prepare the pelvic floor muscles and make them more flexible for vaginal delivery.😃 Giving these muscles a gentle massage in the weeks before your baby’s birth can soften and stretch the tissues, keep the perineum area loose and pave ways for the baby to come out more easily.👶
You can do a perineal massage yourself or ask your partner to do it for you.👨👧 You can also do it during delivery too!
💆Benefits of perineal massage
Perineal massage is effective in reducing damage to the pelvic floor and avoiding perineal tears.🤗 It can also help you refrain from going through an episiotomy during delivery, having scars, postpartum urinary or postpartum perineum pain.
Preparation for perineal massage
💆When to start
You can begin perineal massage at about 34 weeks in the third trimester.🤰 You can do it three or four times a week until the due date, each takes 5 minutes. Although you might feel some sensation and burning pain in the first few weeks, you will gradually be accustomed to having massages, learning how to breathe👃 and relax and eventually feel more comfortable.💆
💆Massage oils and gels
Massage oils and gels are essentials in the massage process as they help moisturize the perineum and make it more elastic.😃 There is a variety of natural oils for you to choose from such as coconut oil, sweet almond oil or sunflower oil.🌻 However, because some of these products can irritate your vagina, you should consult with your doctor for recommendations.
💆How to do perineal massage
The massage should be done gently to prevent bruising and swelling.😃 After you sit in a comfortable position, lean back on pillows, bend your legs and spread your knees open. Put one or two drops of oil on your thumbs, place them about 1 to 1½ inches inside your vagina and gently stretch the wall out to the side.💆 Then keep massaging up and down in a U shape. Repeat the process for a total of 4 to 5 minutes. It’s easy, right?😝