Pregnancy takes every woman through a toll of emotional and physical roller coasters as her body prepares to welcome a newborn baby into this beautiful world. As the due date nears, every soon-to-be mom has concerns regarding the delivery procedure, whether it would be painful, whether there would be any complications, whether stitches would be required, whether recovery would be quick, etc.
Pregnant ladies follow healthy lifestyles and look for ways to enhance their birthing experience and reduce potential complications. One most commonly feared concern is regarding vaginal tearing during delivery. Many women consult their gynaecologists to seek some solution for this. Perineal massage during pregnancy can be beneficial in preparing the perineal area (the region between the vagina and the anus) for childbirth.
As mentioned above, the perineal area is the region made up of skin and also muscle between the vagina and the anus in the female body. During childbirth, the skin in this area normally stretches to allow your baby to pass through. However, perineal tearing occurs in the majority of women while giving birth. Some women may also need stitches as a result of tearing.
Perineal massage can help minimise the damage to the perineal tissue to a certain extent. It involves massaging the tissue with one or two fingers so that it becomes more flexible and stretches over the baby during vaginal delivery. You can do it yourself or ask your partner to assist.
Before you begin the massage, it is essential that you maintain hygiene. Wash your hands and intimate parts well. You can also trim your nails to avoid any injury. Use a water-based lubricant or natural oil, such as vitamin E, coconut, or olive oil, to help reduce friction during the massage.
Feel comfortable and rest in a sitting or lying position. The main point is to relax the muscles. So find a stress-free position. After applying the lubricant, gently massage the lower part of the vaginal opening in a rhythmic motion, continuing to stretch the tissue. Breathe deeply and try to release any tension.
Injury to the perineum may cause problems with your pelvic floor. You may experience difficulty controlling urine and bowel movements due to the damage. Some women face challenges in sexual comfort, while others may undergo uterine prolapse. These are just some of the major complications you can face after childbirth if some damage happens to the perineal tissue.
Research is being carried out on how effective perineal massage reduces the risk of such complications. Most studies show positive results in women who practised the massage towards the final stages of pregnancy. Perineal massage during pregnancy has numerous benefits. Some of them include:
The major benefit of perineal massage is that the risk of perineal tear is significantly reduced. The perineal tissue becomes flexible, allowing the baby to pass through more smoothly.
Vaginal tears cause a lot of discomfort to women, and they also undergo many traumatic situations as a result. The discomfort from perineal tears and the aftereffects like low control over bowel movements, urine leakage, etc., can be eliminated to a great extent by practising perineal massage.
The anticipation and anxiety of giving birth often cause the muscles to tighten up, and women get more stressed. Practising perineal massage loosens up the muscles in the vaginal area and leads to a more positive birth experience.
A perineal massage is an effective tool in supporting natural birth. The body is prepared better as the elasticity of the vaginal muscles improves and the occurrence of perineal tears is minimised. The birthing experience proceeds much more smoothly and causes minimal damage to the muscles in that area.
The second stage of labour involves the part where the baby is pushed out finally. This stage is relatively shorter as the perineal tissue relaxes and stretches well due to massages. There is likely to be less tension in the area, and the mother also experiences less perineal trauma.
A great part of postpartum recovery includes recovery from vaginal stitches, which becomes a real pain for some women. It has been observed that women who practised perineal massage went through very few perineal tears, and hence they recovered much more quickly postpartum. Reduced pain, decreased swelling, and the absence of stitches make it easier for new mothers to care for their newborns and themselves in the days and weeks following delivery.
Perineal massage supports and enhances pelvic floor health in women. By regularly massaging and stretching the perineum, women can support their pelvic floor muscles' overall health and function. This can be particularly beneficial in preventing or managing issues such as urinary incontinence, prolapse of the uterus, and inconsistent bowel movements, which can be common concerns after childbirth.
A perineal massage can be performed with your partner. This encourages intimacy as it is a shared experience, allowing partners to support one another and deepen their bond as they prepare for the arrival of their baby. This kind of connection is essential during the emotional and physical challenges of pregnancy and childbirth.
Preparing for childbirth and travelling through this new journey is an experience that every parent will cherish forever. Your doctors will ensure this journey is smooth and memorable for you. It's always important to consult your doctor before trying something new, including perineal massage. If you have any uncertainties, be sure to check with your doctor to ensure it’s the right choice for you.
It is generally recommended that perineal massage be started towards the final stage of pregnancy, between 34 and 36 weeks. This will give enough time for the perineal tissues to become more elastic and better prepared for childbirth.
The perineal massage is not painful. It should be done delicately, with just a slight pressure. If you experience any discomfort initially, you can always check with your doctor. With time and frequency, the muscles will relax and stretch more.
