Perineum Massage

Perineum Massage

Tearing and the need for an episiotomy are real concerns for women during childbirth. Studies have shown that preparing the area between the vagina and rectum (the perineum) before childbirth can reduce the likelihood of tearing and episiotomies during childbirth.

How exactly can one prepare the perineal area? By performing perineal massage. Perineal massage is a type of massage that stretches the perineum and prepares it for childbirth. Perineal massage can also decrease the amount of stinging a woman may encounter during crowning as well as prepare a woman for the stretching sensations that are associated with childbirth. By familiarizing yourself with the stretching sensations during childbirth, you are more likely to be relaxed when you experience it. Perineal massage has also been shown to decrease the amount of healing time after childbirth.

  • Perineal massage can be performed using the following technique.
      • Wash hands thoroughly and make sure that your nails are trimmed. Sit or lean back in a comfortable position. You may want to place a full length in front of you for the first couple of times that you perform the massage in order to become familiar. Use a water-based massage oil and apply it to your thumbs and around your perineum.
      • Relax your legs back into a “frog” position and have your partner insert two fingers about 1 to 1 ½ inches inside your vagina. Press the perineal area down toward the rectum and side to side. Continue to gently stretch this area until you feel a slight tingling or burn.
      • Hold this stretch for approximately two minutes until this area becomes numb. Practice your breathing techniques while you are performing the stretch. It is also important to practice relaxing the muscles your partner is massaging.
      • Gently begin to massage the perineal area back and forth in a “U” shape motion for three minutes.
      • Relax and repeat once.
      • Use caution not to apply too much pressure to the area and stay clear of the urethra.
      • Your partner can also perform perineal massage for you.
      • Begin performing perineal massage daily around 36 weeks.

    • We have an excellent perineal massage blend that will help support the perineal area better than regular water based massage oil. Our blend uses ingredients that are natural.

    Edited and revised by Sherry VanGoethem, Dr.Christine Brass-Jones OBGYN, and Dr. Denise Quance Grobe N.D. If you have any questions or comments contact the office at (480) 539-6646 or through email at info@trueharmonywellness.com