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Perineum Massage

naturaloaklandmamanaturaloaklandmama member
in 3rd Trimester
Hi All, I did a search and didn't see a thread on this since last January. So I apologize if I did miss something recently but wanted to get input from this cohort of expecting mamas. Any thoughts on doing perineum massage? I am 38 weeks so now that it is actually recommended to start it weeks ago but figured better to start now than not at all. Did it to myself last night (hubs was NOT interested though probably could have forced him but then would have micromanaged teh whole thing so what's the point) and it was (a) very uncomfortable and (b) today it feels super weird down there. Talked to my midwives today and one recommends it and the other does not (the one who does not says that the studies are relatively inconclusive but she did say it was good for people who have had sexual trauma or have other issues with that area to feel comfortable with pressure/sensations there). The bottom line was that if it stresses me out or feels uncomfortable after teh fact (as it does for me today) then I shouldn't do it. Any thoughts -- particularly from STMs who did this the first time around? Thanks!
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Re: Perineum Massage

  • naturaloaklandmamanaturaloaklandmama member
    ok -- good to know. we talked about that in my birthing class and they had some breathing exercises to practice. will focus on that. Definitely feeling weird down there today...
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  • foreverapartofmeforeverapartofme member
    I did controlled pushing/breathing when I gave birth to DD.  Well she decided to do a little twist on the way out so I tore anyways and she was only a little 6 pound baby. My friend did the controlled pushing with a 10 pound baby, and had absolutely no problem/ no tearing. I think you can take preventative measures such as the controlled breathing, but really I do not think you have much control over it so try not to stress out about it!  If the perineal massage is hurting you, I definitely would stop that!  Best of luck. :)
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  • 2redtulips2redtulips member
    I have been wondering about this myself, so I am glad you posted. The responses have definitely helped me.

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  • cecilyandgautamcecilyandgautam member
    The studies are inconclusive in the sense that some suggest negative outcomes, most suggest no outcomes, and I think only one that found a mildly positive outcome. So really the evidence is not there for it and if it makes you uncomfortable, I wouldn't bother. My practice recommends it and I'm just not doing it. Plain & simple.
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  • barista411barista411 member
    My MW discouraged me from doing perineal massage. Her theory was that the massage could cause the perineum to swell which compromises the tissue and increases the risk of tearing.
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  • naturaloaklandmamanaturaloaklandmama member
    Thanks, all! Super helpful! I think the verdict is in. ;)
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  • allrightmeowallrightmeow member
    My doc was amazing and used her hand to help guide baby out.  No tearing this time.  Much better doctor than last time 
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