From the moment you discover you’re expecting, it feels like everyone has advice on how to prepare your body for the arrival of your little one. The reality is that pregnancy is a constantly evolving experience, and no matter how much you think you’ve learned in the first trimester, there’s always more to come. Spoiler alert: this advice will keep coming until your child heads off to college.
While the value of such advice often depends on personal preferences and individual experiences, it’s worth paying attention when someone mentions perineal massage during pregnancy. Here’s everything you need to know about it, including how to perform the massage and the best oils to use.
Understanding the Perineum During Childbirth
The perineum is the area between the vagina and anus or, in the case of those with male anatomy, between the scrotum and anus. This region plays a crucial role in supporting the pelvic floor and holds your reproductive organs, bowels, and bladder in place.
During childbirth, especially in a vaginal delivery, the perineum may not remain intact. Although it stretches to accommodate the baby’s head, it can tear. Not all tears are the same; some are minor, affecting only the skin, while others can be more severe, involving the anal sphincter. An episiotomy, which involves a surgical cut to the perineum, is performed to facilitate delivery, though such procedures are less common today.
To help make vaginal delivery smoother, healthcare professionals may recommend perineal massage in the later stages of pregnancy. Here’s how to go about it.
How to Perform Perineal Massage During Pregnancy
If you’ve never attempted to massage the area between your anus and vaginal opening, some guidance can be useful—especially since your pregnant body presents new challenges. Perineal massage typically involves using one or two fingers to gently stretch and manipulate the tissue. The goal is to prepare the area for childbirth, allowing it to stretch rather than tear.
Here’s how to do it:
- Sit comfortably with your legs apart, ensuring your back is supported. A hand mirror can be helpful for self-massage.
- Always wash your hands thoroughly before starting.
- Apply a lubricant to your fingers.
- Insert a thumb or finger about two inches into your vagina, gently stretching the wall outward.
- Keep pressing and stretching, moving from the 3 o’clock position to 6 o’clock, then to 9 o’clock.
- Repeat for about 4 to 5 minutes.
When to Begin Perineal Massages
Experts, such as those from the University of Michigan Health System, suggest starting perineal massage around week 34 of your pregnancy. Aim to perform the massage three to four times a week for about five minutes each session. This effort can be beneficial compared to the healing time required for any potential tears during delivery.
Recommended Oils for Perineal Massage
Using a lubricant can reduce friction and enhance comfort. Water-based lubricants like K-Y Jelly or Astroglide are good options, or you can opt for natural oils such as organic sunflower, grapeseed, coconut, almond, or olive oil. Just avoid synthetic options like baby oil or petroleum jelly.
Lightening the Mood
If the thought of perineal massage makes you anxious, that’s completely normal. Pregnancy can push you out of your comfort zone, so why not ease into it with some humor? Check out this entertaining clip about perineal massage from the movie Baby Mama for a good laugh.
For more insights on pregnancy and home insemination, consider visiting this blog post or exploring Make a Mom for expert advice on at-home insemination kits. Additionally, Genetics and IVF Institute offers valuable resources for your journey.
Leave a Reply