Benefits of perineal massage and how to perform massage safely

The process of giving birth causes a lot of pain, even a small mistake can put both mother and baby in danger. To ease childbirth and the postpartum recovery process, to prevent the risk of tearing the perineum during childbirth, perineal massage is a necessary and important method. Perineal massage is great for helping with childbirth and postpartum recovery.

What are the benefits of perineal massage? Do you know how to do it safely? The term "perineal massage" is very popular among pregnant women.

However, few people understand what it is and how to do it properly. If you are a pregnant woman who does not know well about the method of perineal massage - a method to support childbirth, then follow SignsSymptomsList right away in the article below for immediate answers.

What is perineal massage?

The perineum is the tissue between the vagina and the anus. Normally, this area is not noticed by women. However, during childbirth, this part plays an important role.

During labor and childbirth, this area suffers great damage, even tearing. In some cases, to ease the delivery process, the doctor will recommend an episiotomy. This causes a lot of pain as well as great obsession for women who have undergone this procedure.

Perineal massage is also known as perineal massage. This is a simple way to relax the muscles in the perineal area, increasing flexibility. This method reduces the risk of having to have an episiotomy and increases the chances of postpartum recovery.

Benefits of perineal massage

Experts say that, if a pregnant woman intends to give birth vaginally, the perineal massage is very necessary, it brings a lot of necessary benefits: 

• Increases flexibility of the lips of the lower cervical region, accelerates postpartum recovery.
• Limit tissue and muscle damage in the perineal area of ​​the uterus during vaginal delivery.
• Reduces the risk of having an episiotomy.
• Helps to stretch the muscles, increase the flexibility of the cervix to help stimulate labor  in pregnant women, giving birth easier and less painful.
• Increasing the width of the birth canal, the baby is easy to get out and less complications.
• Reducing the risk of having to use birthing aids that can injure the baby such as suction cups, forceps, etc.

Benefits of perineal massage

Does perineal massage really help during childbirth?

Perineal massage is a fairly common method performed by many pregnant women with the desire to prevent the risk of perineal tearing during childbirth. Many studies have been done and show that perineal massage is really effective. Performing perineal massage between 3 and 4 weeks before the due date will help the muscles in the vaginal and anal areas to be elastic, thereby reducing the risk of having to have an episiotomy during delivery.

Besides, perineal massage also contributes to improving the blood flow around the perineum, vagina and anus. This helps to prepare well for the birth process and also has the effect of faster postpartum recovery.

Perineal massage helps limit the risk of having to have an episiotomy during childbirth

How to massage the perineum safely and effectively

Before implementing this method, you need to learn about it well first to make it safer and easier. It is very important to capture important information because if done incorrectly, pregnant women will face many other risks.

When should I massage? Experts recommend that pregnant women should massage continuously for a period of 4-6 weeks before the due date. Before doing so, you should consult your doctor first to learn more about your condition. During the massage, pregnant women can ask their loved ones for support to make the massage easier.

The perineal massage can be done twice a day in the morning and evening. However, if you find it uncomfortable, it can be reduced to once a day. During the massage, if you experience severe pain, please stop and see a doctor immediately for further examination and advice.

What to prepare before perineal massage?

Some notes to pay attention to before performing massage:

• Trim nails neatly.
• Wash hands with antibacterial soap and clean water before massage to avoid infection for both mother and baby.
• Prepare some pillows and a large mirror so you can see the perineum through the mirror. 
• Have healthy lubricating oils like almond oil, vitamin E oil, coconut oil or olive oil ready.

Oils used for perineal massage: Coconut oil, olive oil...

How to massage the perineum

Once you know the basic information as well as prepare all the necessary tools for the perineal massage, follow these steps:

• Kneel and extend your legs. If you do the massage yourself, instead of lying down, sit comfortably. Dip your thumb and index finger in the oil and rub them together to warm.
• Gently insert two fingers into the vagina about 5-6cm. Slowly slide your finger along the wall of the vagina toward the anus.
• Stretch two fingers into a V shape to stretch the perineum to both sides, hold until you feel a slight tingling, then stop. Do this movement 20-30 times.
• At the beginning of the massage, you will feel a little hot in the vagina but this feeling will fade away. Then continue to massage the perineum.

This is an effective and very good method for women before giving birth. To be safe and effective, pregnant women should monitor their health status during pregnancy. In pregnant women who have had a miscarriage, it is advisable to consult a doctor before performing an episiotomy.

Notes to know when massaging the perineum

Most methods don't work for everyone. When performing perineal massage, pregnant women will have to be in contact with a private place, so if you do not feel comfortable about this, you can replace it with other methods such as yoga .

Practice yoga instead of perineal massage

In special cases, pregnant women should consult their doctor before performing this method. Besides, in the process of performing perineal massage, if you find something uncomfortable or painful, you should see a doctor for an examination immediately.

Perineal massage offers benefits, but if done incorrectly you will encounter other adverse problems. To be safe for mother and baby, you need to learn the necessary information and techniques, examine and consult a doctor before performing.

Make sure the perineal massage is safe for you before doing it to avoid injuring yourself and your baby. Have a good health and don't forget to follow SignsSymptomsList's website for more necessary information!