Perineal Massage
A massage technique that involves gently stretching the perineal tissues. Recommended starting at 34 weeks. Shown to reduce the likelihood of perineal trauma (mainly episiotomies) and the reporting of ongoing perineal pain.
It is generally well accepted by women. As such, women should be made aware of the likely benefit of perineal massage and provided with information on how to massage (Beckmann and Garrett, 2006). Massage can be performed by the patient or her partner.
Example patient instructions for performing perineal massage
Sit or lean back in a comfortable position. (A warm bath or warm compresses on the perineum for ten minutes before massage may help you relax.)
Put a water soluble lubricant (KY Jelly, olive oil, vegetable oil, vitamin E oil) on your thumbs and perineum.
Place your thumbs three to four cm inside your vagina.
Press downward towards the rectum and to the sides at the same time until a slight burning, stinging, or tingling sensation is felt.
Hold the pressure for two minutes until the area becomes numb.
Breathe deeply and slowly and try to consciously relax the muscles.
Keep pressing down with your thumbs and slowly and gently massage back and forth over the sides of your vagina in a "U" movement for three minutes.
Relax and repeat once.
Can be performed daily for approximately ten minutes.