Benefits of Perineal Massage
Are you getting towards the end of your pregnancy? Have you heard from a friend or healthcare practitioner about perineal massage but aren’t really sure if it’s right for you?
According to research, 40% to 80% of people who give birth vaginally will tear during childbirth. Perineal massage is an excellent way to help prepare your tissues to be stretched and reduce the risk of tearing associated with childbirth!
What is Perineal Massage?
- The perineum is the area of tissue between the vaginal opening and anal opening. Perineal massage is the act of gentle stretching or massaging of the perineal tissue. The goal of a perineal massage is to improve the elasticity of the perineal tissue in order to stretch over your baby’s head and body during vaginal delivery!
How Does It Help?
- While more research needs to be performed, current studies have shown that perineal massage can help:
- Reduce the risk of perineal tearing and damage
- Reduce the risk of episiotomy
- Reduce the need for stitches following a perineal tear
- Reduce the risk of postpartum urinary incontinence and/or fecal incontinence
How Do I Do It?
- It is recommended to begin perineal massage sometime between 34 and 36 weeks in your pregnancy. The massage can be performed for up to 5 minutes 1-2x/week leading up to delivery.
- To begin, make sure you have washed your hands; in order to avoid skin irritation. You may also need to trim your nails.
- It is best to perform the massage in a comfortable reclined position, you can also use pillows under the legs for additional support.
- How to:
- Insert a finger into the vaginal opening at the 6:00 position, press and hold for 30-60 seconds (you should feel a slight stretch but there should not be pain associated with this).
- Move your finger gently towards the 3:00 then back to the 6:00, then swoop to the other side towards the 9:00 (think about making a “U” shape) while applying gentle pressure for 30-60 seconds.
- Repeat this for a few minutes, the goal is to work up to 3-5 minutes, but you can start with less and work your way up.
Important Things To Note
- Think about the vaginal opening like a clock, 12:00 is towards the urethra and clitoris and 6:00 being towards the perineum and anus.
- You can use your thumb, index or middle finger when performing a perineal massage.
- You can also ask your partner for help for additional help.
- Consider using a mirror the first few times you try to make sure you are getting the right spots.
- While you are stretching the internal tissues of the vagina, you may also feel a stretch or tingling sensation externally. This is normal.
- Try your best to breathe and relax while performing the massage! During a vaginal delivery the same tissue you are manually stretching during the massage will be stretched as your baby descends through the vaginal canal, it is important to learn how to relax into the stretching sensation and to avoid breath holding and muscle guarding.
Does Pelvic Physical Therapy Help?
- It may not be the easiest figuring out how to perform a perineal massage on yourself. It may be helpful to see a pelvic floor therapist first in order to learn how to perform the technique.
- You can also take steps before labor and delivery to help prepare your body for what is to come.
- Body Harmony Physical Therapy offers one on one physical therapy, both for pelvic floor and orthopedic concerns, pre- and post- partum care.
- Our treatments are for up to one hour in a private treatment room.
- We offer a quick call back option for potential patients who have questions or concerns related to physical therapy.
