Perineal massage in pregnancy step by step
Perineal massage is a technique that involves massaging the perineum of the pregnant woman to prepare the tissues and muscles, making them more elastic for childbirth. The area where the massage is applied, the perineum, is the set of tissues that surround the vagina and the anus, the area that dila
Perineal massage is a technique that involves massaging the perineum of the pregnant woman to prepare the tissues and muscles, making them more elastic for childbirth.
The area where the massage is applied, the perineum, is the set of tissues that surround the vagina and the anus, the area that dilates during the delivery of the baby. We teach you how to do a perineal massage in pregnancy step by step
What are the benefits of perineal massage in pregnancy
Perineal massage applied by the woman or her partner frequently for at least 6 weeks before delivery has proven to be effective en decrease vaginal traumas (mainly episiotomy) and postpartum pain in women who have not had a baby previously. In women who have had one or more previous births perineal massage has not shown preventive effects, but still encourage you to practice it to have more awareness of the area and relax the perineum when your baby is born. - It brings you body awareness.
The perineum is an area that most women have forgotten. During the birth of your baby you will notice pressure and a burning sensation when the head comes out. Having these sensations present during pregnancy helps to know how to relax the area when it is the moment of birth, allowing your baby to be born smoothly and thus preventing your tissue from tearing. - Provides more elasticity to the fabric
. Massaging the area helps the tissues to become more elastic, so that they allow the baby to leave without tearing.- Increased blood flow of the perineum
. The simple fact of massaging an area of our body increases blood flow, which will favor tissue recovery more easily, and reduce postpartum pain.- Trust
. See and feel for yourself that this area is elastic, that can be opened easily and without pain will make you have less fear at the time of the expulsive (when your baby is born). The body of the woman is made to give birth, see for yourself.How is perineal massage done in pregnancy step by step?
The best time to start is around week 32-33 of pregnancy. Studies show that regularity is important in practice, so reserve yourself a minimum of twice a week to practice the massage (if you want you can do it more often, up to once a day).
Tips:
- You can do it yourself or you can ask your partner to help you.
- If you have a urine or vaginal infection, avoid doing the massage until the infection has disappeared.
- Use a natural oil (can be calendula oil, rosehip oil, olive oil ...) to lubricate the fingers and the area of the perineum.
Perineal massage in pregnancy step by step:
- Choose a time when you have peace of mind and know that nobody will interrupt you during the next 10 minutes.
- Wash your hands and keep your nails short so you do not hurt yourself.
- You can perform the semi-sitting massage in bed, sitting on the toilet or standing with one leg resting on a chair.
- The first few times it is useful to use a mirror to see the area. A - Apply the
oil on the hands
and in the area of the perineum (on the outside between the vagina and the anus, and about 3-4 cm towards the inside of the vagina, at the bottom of it). Comienza - Start by massaging the outer part with one or two fingers, the tissue between your vagina and your anus, you can make circles and press the skin inwards, paying attention to if you feel discomfort or resistance. Do this for about 2 minutes.
- Insert your thumb into the vagina about 3 cm (to the first phalange) and press down (towards the anus).If your partner is the one who does the massage you will do it with your index and middle fingers and you will be guided to exert a pressure that is a bit annoying, but without pain. Press this way, down, for about 2 minutes.
- Do the same to the sides of the vagina, first to the right for 2 minutes and then to the left. The idea is that each day the fabric is a little more elastic. Do not massage the area above the vagina (where the urethra is, where urine comes out). Por - Finally, also introduce the thumb of the other hand, and with the two fingers, make a de back and forth movement, as if doing a "U"
, separating the thumbs upwards on the sides of the vagina and joining them down , in the lowest part of the perineum. If it is your partner who gives you the massage, he will continue doing it with both fingers, drawing a "U". Practice this last step for another 2 minutes. In conclusion: - Massage for about 10 minutes from week 32 of pregnancy.
- A minimum of 2 times per week. - You may notice a burning sensation or discomfort, but in no case should you feel pain. Recuer - Remember that the most important thing is that you have confidence in your body, which is ready to give birth without tearing. The massage will help you to know your perineum.- If you have any questions, ask your midwife.
