Perineal Massage Benefits for Women

Perineal massage is great for pregnant women but also for women who want to strengthen their pelvic floor muscles. Read this detailed article to find out about perineal massage. 

One massage that offers great benefits to women is the perineal massage - it works for women who are pregnant and also offers benefits for those who just want to strengthen their pelvic floor muscles and which women wouldn't want that?!.

Weak pelvic floor muscles can lead to urine leaking when you laugh, sneeze, run or cough, can cause pain, reduced sensation in the vagina, painful sex, lack of bladder control, pain in the vulva, tampons falling out or getting dislodged and so on.

Benefits of Perineal Massage for Pregnant Women -

For pregnant women, perineal massage is excellent as it will help prepare your perineum for the delivery since it can greatly help with helping the perineum become more flexible so that it can stretch more easily during labor. 

According to the American Pregnancy Association, this ancient practice of perineal massage especially around the last several weeks before childbirth is highly beneficial and can be the difference between healthy delivery without the tearing or episiotomy or perineal trauma.

Another great benefit of perineal massage is that it can help women recover more quickly from childbirth and most of all, perineal massage will help women feel more comfortable and relaxed during and after the delivery.

When Should Pregnant Women Start Perineal Massage - 

Women who are pregnant would talk to their doctor or midwife and see if they can start the perineal massage daily - 5 minutes daily is considered ideal so that the perineal tissues are flexible and supple so that they can stretch and expand naturally during the childbirth.

Generally, 35-36 weeks is considered ideal for pregnant women to start the perineal massage. It is important for women to relax first when starting with the perineal massage - any tension you feel is normal especially in the beginning but with time it will get easier. 

This can be done either by yourself or your partner especially as your tummy grows big, it will be hard for the pregnant women to do it by themselves due to less visibility of that area and inability to reach the perineum easily. 

Having a Hubby Do It? -

If you are having a hubby do it, make sure his nails are cut and his hands are clean (as in, washed and clean). Make sure he takes a good amount of massage gel and make SURE you talk to him first and prepare HIM for this; let him know that during the massage you may be turned on or you may feel pain but either way, you appreciate his effort and understanding.

What to Use for Perineal Massage? -

Use massage gel as it will also hydrate your perineum and reduce any friction. You can also use a vaginal lubricant or some natural oils that suit your skin and ones that you are not allergic to. 

How To Do Perineal Massage -

Before starting your perineal massage, wash your hands well and empty your bladder. Get your lubricant or oil and have it ready. Sit in a comfortable position - some women prefer sitting on the toilet or you can use the bed if you like. 

A mirror may be helpful especially in the beginning as you get used to the massage. 

Insert your thumb or finger about 1 inch (or 3 to 5 cm) inside the vagina, press gently down towards the anus and then stretch the fingers apart side to side using more pressure as you go along. This will gently stretch your perineum muscles and help you to relax during delivery if you are pregnant.

Stretch this for 45-60 secs and release; repeat the steps 2 to 3 times for a total of about 5 minutes. 

While doing the massage, practice deep, slow breathing techniques and relax as much as you can - this will make your perineal massage go well and will also reduce any discomfort or painful sensation.

For all other women, this massage will help strengthen your pelvic floor muscles. Note that whether you are pregnant or not, in the beginning most women will feel a burning or stretching sensation when they do the perineal massage - this is natural and with time (usually a few weeks), it should go away.

Who Should NOT Do Perineal Massage - 

-If you have genital herpes, vaginal infection, any pain or discomfort or bleeding - please consult your doctor or midwife first before starting perineal massage. 

-Do NOT massage your perineum if you have low-lying placenta - consult your doctor or midwife. 

-Women who have had any perineal surgery or have had an experience of water being broken should consult with their doctor or midwife before starting the perineal massage. 

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