{"id":252291,"date":"2021-09-24T13:42:54","date_gmt":"2021-09-24T17:42:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.oviahealth.com\/?post_type=article&p=252291"},"modified":"2025-03-07T16:26:14","modified_gmt":"2025-03-07T21:26:14","slug":"perineal-massage-during-pregnancy","status":"publish","type":"article","link":"https:\/\/www.oviahealth.com\/guide\/252291\/perineal-massage-during-pregnancy\/","title":{"rendered":"What is perineal massage?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Perineal massage has been linked to a reduced risk of severe tearing (3rd and 4th degree tears) for those giving birth for the first-time. At this point it\u2019s not known if it decreases the chances of a spontaneous tear<\/a> or the need for an episiotomy. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you have given birth vaginally before, perineal massage can still be helpful as it\u2019s been shown to decrease perineal pain at three months postpartum. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is perineal massage?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Perineal massage is a process of applying pressure to the pelvic muscles<\/a>, by inserting one or two clean fingers into the vagina a couple inches and applying pressure. While there\u2019s still more we need to learn about exactly how often and how long it should be done for maximum effectiveness, a couple times a week for 5 minutes is a good rule of thumb. You can start at week 34 of pregnancy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What\u2019re the benefits?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

This practice has the most significant benefits during your first pregnancy. It decreases the relative risk of perineal trauma by 10%. It also decreases perineal pain after birth and can also be done during labor, to decrease the severity of a tear.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

How do I start perineal massage?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

You can either massage your perineum yourself, or ask your partner to help. Do it after a shower or bath, when you\u2019re feeling relaxed and comfortable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Get some lubricant, sit comfortably, and insert a clean finger or thumb a couple inches into your vagina, gently stretching the skin to the side, then toward the back of the body, then toward the other side. Continue this U movement for 5 minutes. This will help prepare your muscles and tissues for the stretching that will happen during birth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It can be helpful to use a handheld mirror to see what you\u2019re doing. You may feel a bit of burning or a stretching feeling at first, but perineal massage should not hurt.   <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This content was reviewed by Dr. Lisa Hickman and Dr. Katie Propst. Dr. Hickman runs the <\/em>Childbirth Pelvic Floor Disorders Clinic<\/em><\/a> at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center. Dr. Propst runs the <\/em>Postpartum Care Clinic<\/em><\/a> at Cleveland Clinic. <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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