How to massage the perineum

This wikiHow teaches you how to massage your perineum during pregnancy, which relaxes and softens the perineum (the area between the anus and the genitals). Perineal massage is often performed at the end of pregnancy to reduce the risk of perineal tearing during childbirth.

Table of Contents

Self-massage perineum

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Talk to your doctor before you start. Perineal massage can be harmful if you use too much force, don’t lubricate it enough, or do it incorrectly. To be on the safe side, you should talk to your doctor about this in advance.

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Sit in a warm bath for ten minutes. This will help you relax before the massage, while also relaxing the muscles around the perineum. You can add bath oils to soften your skin and relax your mind.

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Cut fingernails short to avoid scratching. The tissues in the area between the vagina and anus are very delicate. You need to keep your nails short to avoid scratching your skin or causing discomfort.

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Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water. In order not to introduce bacteria into the birth canal, you must wash your hands thoroughly before starting.

READ More: How to Recognize Scabies

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Choose a comfortable position. The bed is the most suitable place to conduct perineal massage. Grab a pillow behind your back and bend your knees. You need to feel relaxed during your massage, so it’s important to find a place that is completely comfortable. ^{[1] X Research Source}

You can also do the massage while sitting on the toilet with your legs raised. ^{[2] X Research Source}

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Use lubricating fluid. You need to lubricate your thumb and perineal tissue with a water-based lubricant. Vitamin E oil, almond oil or olive oil are best.

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Insert two thumbs into the vagina about 3cm deep. Place your remaining fingers on your butt. Press your thumb down the anus and the sides of the vagina. Hold this position for about 1 minute. You will begin to feel a slight burning or tightness. ^{[3] X Research Sources}

Remember to breathe deeply during the massage.
Actively relax when you feel a muscle tension. ^{[4] X Research Sources}

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Gently massage the lower half of the vaginal area. Move your thumb back and forth and up and down in a “U” shape. Try to relax your muscles during the massage. Do this for 2-3 minutes.

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Repeat the massage. In short, you should spend about 10 minutes on a massage. If done every day, after a few weeks, your perineal area will become more elastic. ^{[5] X Research Sources}

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Wash again. After the massage, you may need to shower or rinse again to remove the lubricant.

Thanks to the perineal massage

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Choose someone you can trust. The ideal audience for this sensitive therapy should be someone who won’t embarrass you, such as your partner or a medical professional. Remember that you need to chat comfortably and feel relaxed during the massage.

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Prepare yourself for emotional reactions. Even if the masseuse is your husband, you may feel shy or embarrassed. This is natural. Remember that the purpose of an episiotomy, like any other massage technique, is to relieve stress and ease discomfort for a mother who is about to give birth.

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Talk to the masseuse. Let your husband/medical professional know if you feel uncomfortable. A little bit of tension and discomfort is normal, but if you feel too uncomfortable ask the person to reduce the force or stop for a bit.

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Choose a relaxed and comfortable position. You need to prepare in a position with your legs spread apart and relax your muscles. Lie in bed, bend your knees, and put pillows under your back. The support person will make it easier for you to massage with this position.

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Let the facilitator prepare. Similar to the above, the facilitator must also trim his nails neatly and wash his hands thoroughly before starting. If desired, they can wear rubber gloves during the massage to keep your sensitive area clean.

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Use lubricant. The masseuse should lubricate their hands and perineum of the pregnant woman with a water-based lubricant. Vitamin E oil, almond oil or olive oil are best.

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Begin massaging the area gently. The assistant should use the thumb to rub the outside of the pregnant woman’s perineal area. A slow back-and-forth massage outside of this area will help you both get into the rhythm and make the process easier. ^{[6] X Research Source}

Do this for 1-2 minutes.

Advice

Do not forget to gently pull in and out when massaging. This will stretch the skin and increase its elasticity.

Warning

Do not use mineral oil for lubrication as it can irritate delicate vaginal tissues.

Steps

Self-massage perineum

Thanks to the perineal massage

Advice

Warning

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