Preparing your perineum for birth
Perineal massage is a way of preparing the area of skin between your vagina and your anus for birth, so that it is less likely to tear and will also heal better afterwards.
Massage increases the elasticity of this area of skin (called the perineum) by increasing blood flow to it. Studies have found that perineal massage reduces the number of women needing stitches. They have also found a large reduction in the number of women reporting pain in the months following birth.
All of the benefits of perineal massage work together to help you have a gentler birth. They include:
- encouraging blood supply to the perineum, so helping to speed the healing process following birth
- preparing you for the stretching and feeling of pressure that occurs when your baby's head is born
- familiarising you with sensations in the perineum such as tingling or burning, which may make you tense up during birth if you are unprepared for them
- helping you to feel more relaxed throughout vaginal examinations.
If you wish to do perineal massage, the best time to start is approximately 4-6 weeks before your due dates. Done properly, perineal massage is a safe procedure for you and your baby. Ask your midwife for advice, or see the helpful instructions on this external website.
