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Does Perineal Massage Prevent Tearing During Delivery?

Pregnancy perineal massage could potentially lower the risk of severe vaginal tears at delivery, though more definitive research is needed.

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Pregnancy perineal massage potentially lessens the likelihood of severe vaginal tears during...
Pregnancy perineal massage potentially lessens the likelihood of severe vaginal tears during childbirth, according to various opinions, despite the research being inconclusive.

Does Perineal Massage Prevent Tearing During Delivery?

Hey there! As you're entering the home stretch of your pregnancy, you might be anxious about a certain topic: tearing, or perineal trauma, during delivery. Fear not, your healthcare provider is thinking about it too, says Ob/Gyn Salena Zanotti, MD.

Some may turn to an at-home solution called perineal massage, massaging the perineum, the small patch of skin and muscle between your vagina and anus, to prepare for delivery. But does it really help?

The research on perineal massage during pregnancy is mixed [1][2]. Some studies suggest it can potentially lessen the severity of perineal trauma during vaginal delivery, but it's not a guaranteed outcome [3].

The Power of Perineal Massage

In an effort to help your perineum stretch instead of tear, regular perineal massage [4] may offer benefits for some people. By increasing the elasticity and flexibility of the perineal tissues, it can help them accommodate the baby during delivery, potentially lowering the risk of severe tears.

Here's what else you should know:- Perineal massages might reduce the risk of severe tears like 3rd and 4th-degree tears.- By making the perineal tissues more flexible, it might also decrease the likelihood of needing an episiotomy.- Regular massage helps increase blood flow and reduces the rigidity of the tissues, making them more able to stretch during delivery.

When to Start and How to Massage

If you choose to give perineal massage a try, Dr. Zanotti suggests speaking with your healthcare provider first for guidance and guidance on how to massage properly [5]. Here's a general guide:

  1. Clean up: Wash your hands with a mild soap, and make sure your fingernails are trimmed short.
  2. Comfortable position: Lie on your back with your legs wide and knees bent, making sure your back is supported during the massage.
  3. Slather on some lube: Apply a natural oil like coconut oil or olive oil, or use a water-soluble lubricant like Astroglide® or K-Y Jelly®.
  4. Massage time: Insert two lubricated thumbs into your vagina, pressing on the back wall toward your anus. Apply enough pressure to feel a slight stretching in your vagina, and hold for a minute or two. Move both thumbs slowly in a U-like motion for a gentle stretch.
  5. Consistency is key: Regular massage (at least three to four times a week, for five minutes at a time) is important for maximum benefits.

Birthday Prep Strategies

If perineal massage during pregnancy isn't a foolproof way to prevent vaginal tearing, what else can you do to lower your risk [6]? Unfortunately, not much has been proven as effective during pregnancy.

However, during delivery, there are practices providers use to reduce your risk of tears. One such method is perineal massage by your provider during childbirth, which can help stretch your perineal tissue and lower your risk of significant tears.

Other methods, like applying a warm compress to the perineum during delivery, can also help loosen up the tissue.

Lastly, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends providers can consider episiotomy (a small cut to widen the opening of the vagina) during delivery when necessary, like during quick delivery progression or when the risk for a more severe tear is high.

Wrapping Up

Perineal tears are a common concern during childbirth, but your provider is on it. If you're interested in trying perineal massage, it's worth discussing with your healthcare provider to see if it's right for you. And remember, if a tear does happen, your provider will be there to help. Good luck, mama!

[1] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4317783/[2] https://academic.oup.com/humrep/article/27/7/1745/875331[3] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4322517/[4] Typically, a perineal massage should start around four to six weeks before your expected due date.[5] Before starting perineal massage, it's recommended to consult your healthcare provider for guidance and learn proper techniques.[6] At the end of the day, your best bet for avoiding a tear during vaginal birth is a controlled delivery, aided by methods such as perineal massage, warm compress, and episiotomy.

  • Incorporating health-and-wellness practices like perineal massage might reduce the risk of severe tears like third and fourth-degree tears during delivery.
  • Regular perineal massages, along with proper guidance from a healthcare provider, can help increase blood flow and reduce the rigidity of the perineal tissues, making them more able to stretch during delivery.

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