Childbirth: Perineal Massage Before Labor
Current as of: February 11, 2020
Author: Healthwise Staff
Medical Review: Kathleen Romito MD - Family Medicine & Adam Husney MD - Family Medicine & Kirtly Jones MD - Obstetrics and Gynecology
In women, the perineum is the muscle and tissue between the anus and the vulva . During childbirth, the perineum stretches and sometimes tears. One way to help prevent tearing is to stretch and massage the perineum for a few weeks before your due date.
Studies show that women who did regular perineal massage reported less perineal pain in the weeks after childbirth. Women having their first vaginal delivery also had lower rates of episiotomy . footnote 1
Starting at week 34 of your pregnancy, take about 5 minutes to massage your perineum, three to four times a week. The goal is to get the muscle and tissue used to stretching. At first, it may burn and feel uncomfortable. But this will get better after a few massage sessions.
Citations
Current as of: February 11, 2020
Author: Healthwise Staff
Medical Review:
Kathleen Romito MD - Family Medicine
Adam Husney MD - Family Medicine
Kirtly Jones MD - Obstetrics and Gynecology
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ReferencesCurrent as of: February 11, 2020
Author: Healthwise Staff
Medical Review: Kathleen Romito MD - Family Medicine & Adam Husney MD - Family Medicine & Kirtly Jones MD - Obstetrics and Gynecology
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