Perineal massage can help pregnant women prepare for childbirth by lubricating and stretching the perineal tissue. It can reduce the risk of perineal tears and make women more comfortable during birth. The massage should be done daily for the last six weeks of pregnancy and can be performed by the woman, her partner, or a birth attendant. Hands should be washed and lubricated, and scented products should be avoided. The massage should not create pain, and sessions should last 10-15 minutes.
Perineal massage is a type of massage that is used to help pregnant women prepare for childbirth. This massage is done to lubricate and stretch the perineal tissue between the vagina and anus. While perineal massage is certainly not necessary during pregnancy, it can reduce the risk of a perineal tear during childbirth and can make women more comfortable during the birthing process. This technique can be performed by a pregnant woman, her partner, or a birth attendant such as a midwife or doula.
Ideally, perineal massage should be performed daily during the last six weeks of pregnancy. The technique is designed to make the perineal tissue more flexible so that it stretches comfortably during delivery. It also accustoms women to the tugging and pulling sensations in the area that occur during childbirth, which can make them feel more relaxed during childbirth. Increased relaxation will make women less prone to tension at a critical moment, which also reduces the risk of tears.
To perform the perineal massage, the person performing the massage should trim their nails and wash their hands thoroughly. Gloves can be worn for additional protection, although they can make the massage a little more difficult to perform. The woman should recline in a comfortable position with her legs apart, allowing the person performing the massage to easily see the perineum. If the woman is giving her massage, it may be helpful to work with a hand mirror during the first few sessions.
Hands should be lubricated with massage oil or a water-based lubricant. Scented products should be avoided, as they can irritate the mucous membranes around the vagina. It’s also important to stay away from the urethral opening, to avoid creating an infection. Transferring fingers between the anus and vagina should also be avoided for the same reason.
The lubricated thumbs or index fingers should be inserted into the vagina, then gently pulled down and out to stretch the perineal tissue. Once a slight tingling point has been reached, the position should be held for a few minutes before the tissue is released and massaged again. The goal is not to create pain, but to gently stretch and lubricate the tissues. If you experience tearing or burning sensations, the pressure is too strong. Using another finger, the perineal tissue between the vagina and anus can be gently massaged by working the tissue between the fingers.
Each massage session can last 10-15 minutes. Women should stop if they experience discomfort or pain and should be aware that intense pressure can create pain and inflammation around the perineum. Pregnant mothers should also know that perineal massage will not guarantee freedom from perineal tear, although it will greatly reduce the risk of tears.
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