The perineum is the area between your vagina and your anus (back passage).
Sometimes childbirth can damage the perineum. Massaging your perineum from 34 weeks of pregnancy onwards may reduce the risk of damage.
Tell your midwife, doctor or physiotherapist if you had a perineal tear in a previous labour. In most cases, you can still do perineal massage.
Important
Do not do perineal massage if you have vaginal warts or a vaginal infection such as thrush.
Prepare for the massage
Try perineal massage after a bath or a shower, warm water will make the skin softer.
Use a water soluble lubricant on your thumbs and perineum.
You can use:
- water based lubricants (avoid synthetic or scented lubricants)
- olive oil
- vegetable oil
- vitamin E oil or any any natural oil
- almond or wheatgerm oil
Do not use scented or synthetic oils.
It may help to use a mirror.
How to do perineal massage
Your partner can also help do perineal massage. At the start it may only be possible for them to use 1 finger.
Preparation
When you do perineal massage, you need to:
- cut your nails if you have long nails
- wash your hands before and after the massage
Before you start, find a comfortable position. You could squat against a wall or sit on the toilet.
Step 1
Put 1 or 2 fingers inside your vagina and press downward towards your anus (back passage).
Step 2
Press your fingers down and to the sides. Press until you feel a sensation similar to stretching your arms or legs.
Step 3
With your fingers outside your vagina, stretch the area between your vagina and anus outwards. Repeat a few times and hold the pressure.
Step 4
Stretch the area between your vagina and anus upwards. Repeat a few times and hold the pressure.
Step 5
Using your thumbs, gently massage the sides of your vagina in a 'U' shaped movement for a few minutes.
Benefits of perineal massage
Perineal massage may make you less likely to tear or need an episiotomy (a cut to the birth canal during the birth of your baby).
Perineal massage may help:
- reduce the stinging sensation during birth
- prepare you for the stretching sensation of birth
relax your muscles during birth
