Perineal Massage for Easy Childbirth
A Perineal massage not only helps prepare a woman's perineal tissue
for childbirth, but it is also an effective way to treat sexual
inhibitions or fear of sex.
Five studies show that perineal
massage helps prevent tearing of the vagina during childbirth,
particularly during the first childbirth.
From the 34th or
35th week of pregnancy to the day of birth, a woman inserts a
lubricated finger and stretches the vaginal opening for 10 minutes day.
This procedure helped prevent tearing of the vagina and rectum
primarily in women who were having their first childbirth. 80% said
that they would repeat massage during future pregnancies, while more
than 90% stated that they recommend it for other pregnant women.
Perineal
massage involves gently stretching the tissues that surround the
opening to the vagina. The perineum is the area of skin between the
vagina and rectum. Perineal massage may make tears or an episiotomy
less likely; may reduce the stinging sensation during crowning, and
familiarize labouring women with the stretching sensations of birth to
enhance relaxation.
How to Perform
- Lie on your back with a pillow under your head and one under your hips. Your legs should be open and bent at the knee. Your partner should sit or kneel between your legs for ease of access.
- Place thumb only 1 to 1.5 inches inside your vagina.
- Press downward towards the rectum and move up each side in a U-shaped stretching movement (this is what will make the difference).
- At the same time you may feel a very slight burning, stinging, or tingling sensation is felt.
- Hold the pressure for about 1 minute, breathe deeply and slowly and try to consciously relax the muscles.
- Keep pressing down with the thumb and slowly and gently massage back and forth over the sides of the vagina in a 'U' movement for 3 minutes.
- Relax and repeat once.
- This feeling is similar to the one you will feel when baby head crowns
Massage
your perineal area slowly for 10 minutes each day. After 1 to 2 weeks,
you should notice more stretchiness and less burning in your perineum.
Caution
Avoid pressure on the urethra (at the top of the vaginal opening),
massage gently as vigorous massage could cause bruising or swelling,
and do not massage if there is active vaginal infection or herpes
lesions.