As soon as you learn you’re expecting, advice starts pouring in—often unsolicited—about how to get ready for your new arrival. The challenge is that pregnancy is a dynamic experience, so you can’t just tell people that you’ve got it all figured out after your first trimester. Inevitably, someone will chime in with, “Oh, just wait until the second trimester!” Spoiler alert: This cycle continues until your child heads off to college.
While you may choose to ignore much of the advice, one topic worth considering is perineal massage. Here’s what you need to know about this practice, including how to do it and which oils are best to use.
Understanding the Perineum During Childbirth
Let’s dive into what the perineum is. If you’re unfamiliar with this area (don’t worry, you’ll become acquainted soon), it’s the space between the vagina and the anus, or the scrotum and the anus. This area is crucial for supporting the pelvic floor, helping to keep your reproductive organs, bowels, and bladder in place.
Typically, the perineum doesn’t experience much activity unless you’re engaging in some personal time. However, during childbirth, it faces significant pressure. If you’re opting for a vaginal delivery, there’s a real possibility that your perineum won’t remain intact. While it tries to stretch to accommodate the baby’s head, it can sometimes tear. These tears can vary in severity, with some only affecting the skin around the vagina and others extending to the anal sphincter (third- and fourth-degree tears). This leads us to the episiotomy—a procedure where the perineum is cut to create more space for the baby. Although once common, episiotomies are now performed less frequently.
If this sounds uncomfortable, that’s because it often is. To help ease the process of vaginal delivery, healthcare professionals may suggest perineal massage in the later stages of pregnancy. Here’s how to do it.
How to Perform Perineal Massage During Pregnancy
If you’ve never attempted a massage in that region, you might need some guidance on how to perform a perineal massage. Even if you’re familiar, the presence of your little one makes things more complicated. Essentially, perineal massage involves stretching and manipulating your perineal tissue using one or two fingers—yours or those of a partner or a dedicated friend. The goal is to prepare the tissue for the birthing process, helping it stretch rather than tear.
Just a heads-up: Although it’s called a “massage,” it may feel uncomfortable or even burn at first, but you’ll likely adjust over time. Here’s a simple guide to get started:
- Sit with your legs apart, ensuring your back is supported. A hand mirror can help if you’re doing this solo.
- Wash your hands thoroughly before beginning.
- Use a lubricant on your fingers (more on that shortly).
- Insert a thumb or finger about 2 inches into your vagina, gently stretching the wall to the side. Think of this as 3 o’clock.
- While pressing and stretching outward, sweep down to 6 o’clock and then over to 9 o’clock.
- Repeat for about 4 to 5 minutes.
When to Begin Perineal Massage
It’s recommended to start perineal massage around 34 weeks of pregnancy, doing it three to four times a week for about five minutes each time. This small commitment can be invaluable compared to the healing time required if you do experience a tear or episiotomy.
Best Oils for Perineal Massage
Using some type of lubricant is essential to reduce friction and enhance comfort. Water-soluble options like K-Y Jelly or Astroglide are great choices. If you have a preferred lubricant that you know is safe, it’s wise to use that. Otherwise, consider natural oils like organic sunflower, grapeseed, coconut, almond, olive, or vitamin E oil. Avoid synthetic oils or lubricants, such as baby oil, mineral oil, or petroleum jelly.
A Lighthearted Note
Feeling apprehensive about trying perineal massage is completely normal. Pregnancy and childbirth can push you outside of your comfort zone. To ease any tension, check out this funny clip about perineal massage from the movie Baby Mama for a good laugh.
If you want to explore more about home insemination, including great resources like this one from Parents, or check out this informative blog post for additional insights.
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In summary, perineal massage is a beneficial practice to prepare your body for childbirth. Starting around 34 weeks of pregnancy, this technique can help reduce the risk of tears during delivery. Using the right oils and techniques can make the process smoother and more comfortable.