Perineal massage before labor has been proven to significantly reduce the risk of ruptures and episiotomies. Regular massage during pregnancy not only helps to avoid the unpleasant consequences of childbirth, but also improves blood circulation, and has a beneficial effect on the nervous system and internal organs. A special perineum massage oil will make the process easy and pleasant. In this article, we will give you information on How to Do a Perineal Massage During Pregnancy.
The perineum is the pelvic floor muscles between the anus and the vagina, which are stretched during labor. During labor, the perineum is under tremendous strain, and any careless movement can lead to lacerations. Risks of ruptures increase during the first pregnancy, under the influence of hereditary factors, high baby weight. With these factors, pre-massage is a must.
How to massage the perineum
For the best results of improving elasticity, you need to follow the following rules:
- do massage regularly;
- empty the bladder and bowels before the massage;
- you can take a shower or bath beforehand to relax the perineal tissues;
- wash your hands thoroughly and cut your nails short for the masseur;
- use only special oil for crotch massage.
You can do the massage yourself, but it is best to involve your husband in this process: it will give the best comfort with a large belly, and will also contribute to greater relaxation in the process of massage.
Position during the massage: lie on your back, putting a small pillow under the lower back. Self-massage can be done in the bathtub, putting one foot on the edge of a chair or bathtub.
Before starting the massage, pour oil on your fingers from a bottle (do not dip your fingers into the container, as this can contaminate the oil). Lubricate the skin of the perineum and the vaginal area close to it with oil. Insert your thumb or index finger shallowly into the vagina and make pressure movements on the back wall of the vagina, as if stretching it. Hold in this position for 40-60 seconds, release and repeat on the other side.
Such movements should be repeated for 5-7 minutes. Then massage the moistened skin of the perineum for about one minute with your thumb and index finger (thumb inside, index finger outside or vice versa). At first, the vaginal muscles will be tense, but after a while your muscles will relax.
