Perineal massage can prevent labor tears
During childbirth, a woman’s body undergoes a strain that is difficult to describe. You are even exposed to painful and very uncomfortable tears and injuries.
Perineal massage is a technique that has been used for many years, in order to prepare the birth canal by increasing its elasticity. If done correctly and for a time prior to delivery, perineal massage can be really effective in avoiding tears and possible episiotomies with their corresponding stitches. Something that complicates recovery after childbirth and slows down the period of adaptation to the new situation.
Thanks to the perineal massage, the vaginal tissues and the perineum area are softened, the elasticity of the skin is favored and the muscles relax . With this technique you will not only be helping your body to prepare for the arrival of your baby, but also, your recovery will be faster and more effective.
Index
WHY IS PERINEAL MASSAGE BENEFICIAL?
During labor, the tissues of the perineum are tightened by the distention of the vagina, to accommodate the arrival of the baby. If the area is not elastic enough, it may suffer a natural tear or the doctor may make a small cut so that the baby can be expelled.
The difference is that if the tissue tears naturally, it is normal for it to do so along the line that naturally divides the muscle fibers . So the recovery is faster and with less risk of later suffering the discomfort of urinary incontinence.
The consequences of both the episiotomy and the natural tear, is that not only will the skin be broken, at the same time it will be breaking muscles that cannot be repaired later . So that the pelvic area and the woman’s vagina will be weakened, which in the future can lead to loss of urine, among other things.
With the perineal massage, a simple technique that once you control, you will perform quickly and easily every day, you will be favoring the elasticity of the tissues of the perineum . If the muscle is more flexible, there will be less chance of a natural tear and at the same time there will also be less risk of having to perform an episiotomy.
WHEN TO START PERINEAL MASSAGE
It would be recommended that you start with the perineal massage around week 32. To be really effective, you must do it at least once a day until the time of delivery . In addition, you should use an oil that is especially moisturizing such as sweet almond oil, rosehip or if you wish, you can buy a specific oil for the perineal area.
This technique is completely safe for both you and your baby , so you should not fear it if you do it taking into account all the recommendations and care. But it never hurts to consult your doctor in case you may suffer any special circumstances that contraindicate perineal massage in your specific case.
If you have started childbirth preparation classes, your midwife may have dedicated a talk to talk about the importance of performing perineal massage . So you must be aware of how beneficial it can be for you and for an area as delicate as the vaginal one.
SOME TIPS FOR PERFORMING PERINEAL MASSAGE
The perineal massage can be done yourself or your partner can do it. Either way it will be beneficial. If you do it yourself, it will be a perfect occasion to familiarize yourself with your body if you have never done it before. You will dedicate a few minutes each day to perform your massage and you will be able to take advantage of the breathing exercises that your midwife will surely have indicated.
If, on the contrary, the perineal massage is performed by your partner every day, it will be a perfect way to involve him in the delivery. If possible, the ideal is to do it with you, because that way he will be aware of all the effort that your body is going to make. And it will also be collaborating, preparing your body to avoid injuries , and you will appreciate it during your delivery and also during your recovery.
Here you can find a complete guide on how to perform perineal massage , but if you want to know some previous advice , then we review the most important ones.
– Hygiene is essential . Before starting, wash your hands very well, make sure your nails are well cut and filed to avoid possible damage. If your partner is in charge of the massage, explain the importance of these details, it is your body and nobody like you knows the need to take this care.
– Empty the bladder before starting . This way you will not have to interrupt the massage and you will be able to complete it correctly.
– Take a shower or wash with hot water . This will also relax the muscles in the perineal area and the massage will be even more effective.
PERINEAL MASSAGE FOR COUPLES
Whenever the perineal massage is going to be performed by your partner, it is important that they also have all the information about it. You must be aware of how beneficial it can be for you, you should not take it as a game since although it is still an intimate moment, it is really a preventive massage .
Therefore, before starting, talk to your partner. Explain the advantages and benefits of this technique. Watching videos together, the guide that you can find here to follow all the steps , can be of great help so that you find the best way to do it together. Find a comfortable place, relax and focus on doing the massage correctly.
TIPS IF YOU ARE GOING TO PERFORM THE PERINEAL MASSAGE YOURSELF
You may have to perform the perineal massage yourself , either because you do not have a partner, because you are not comfortable performing a massage in such an intimate area, or for whatever reason. Don’t be afraid, you can do it yourself.
Follow all the above recommendations, find a quiet place in your home and think that thanks to this massage you will be preparing your body to bring your child into the world in the least traumatic way for your body . Feel free to practice this ancient and beneficial technique for women.
Dr. Tabriella Perivolaris, Sara's mother and fan of fashion, beauty, motherhood, among others, about the female universe. Since 2018 she has been working as a copywriter, always bringing to her articles a little of her experience and experience as a mother and woman.