Tears and episiotomies are among the most feared aspects of childbirth for expectant mothers. However, you can significantly reduce the likelihood of them occurring by practicing perineal massage during the 8th month of pregnancy. This technique is usually covered in childbirth preparation classes and helps soften the perineum, allowing your baby to pass more easily.

What is the perineum?

The perineum is a group of muscles located in the pelvic area, extending from the pubis to the coccyx. It is found in both women and men, but it is more heavily engaged in women. It plays a very important role in continence and helps retain gas, stool, and urine, which is why it is called the "pelvic floor." Its tone is essential, but during childbirth, it relaxes to allow the baby to pass.

What is the purpose of perineal massage?

Perineal massage primarily helps you become familiar with your body . By massaging your perineum, you will better understand this part of your anatomy and gain confidence for your upcoming delivery. Even if you know you will give birth by cesarean section , this practice can still be beneficial, because your perineum is not spared during pregnancy.

By practicing perineal massage, you loosen these muscles and help them get used to relaxing. A toned perineum is a good thing, but during pushing, it is better for it to be relaxed to allow a smoother passage for your baby. The more relaxed the muscles are at the time of delivery, the lower your risk of tearing or an episiotomy. You will also help prevent reflexive protective responses, which can slow down your little one’s progress.

Perineal massage also promotes recovery after childbirth . It helps you regain continence and return to a more active sex life more quickly. It also supports healing, even if you have had a tear or an episiotomy.

When to start perineal massage?

Perineal massage is performed from the 34th week of pregnancy , or 36 weeks of amenorrhea. At the very beginning, it can be uncomfortable, so it is important to start very gradually. As the muscles relax, you can increase the duration of the massages. Midwives and gynecologists recommend massaging your perineum every day for between 3 and 10 minutes.

How to practice perineal massage?

Perineal massage may feel intimidating, but don’t panic. It is actually very simple to do and requires very little equipment. You can do it alone or with a partner, and it can help you prepare your body and feel more confident.

What should be used for perineal massage: accessories, oils, etc.?

To perform perineal massage, you don’t need any accessories—just a vegetable oil and your fingers. When choosing an oil, opt for a natural, organic vegetable oil that is gentle on the skin and not contraindicated during pregnancy. The is suitable for perineal massage.

What is the method to properly massage your perineum?

Before massaging your perineum, there are a few essential steps to follow:

• Good hygiene: Ideally, you should have emptied your bladder and had a bowel movement. Then, wash yourself and wash your hands thoroughly. The vaginal flora is very sensitive to bacteria, so it is essential to have clean hands and short nails, as nails can carry germs if they are not properly cleaned.

• A comfortable and quiet place: This is very intimate, so get comfortable and relax. Choose the best possible conditions to help you unwind: dim lighting, soft music, etc.

• Choose the correct position: la meilleure position est semi-allongée. Vous êtes allongé sur le dos avec le torse légèrement surélevé. Ensuite, ramenez vos genoux vers votre poitrine, en écartant vos jambes. Vous pouvez placer un oreiller sous vos jambes pour plus de confort.

Once you are comfortably seated, you can coat your thumb and index finger with oil. Here is a Perineal massage diagram to help you get started:

Who performs the perineal massage?

Perineal massage is a particularly intimate moment. You can choose to do it alone or with someone else, but the most important thing is that you feel comfortable.

Self-massage of the perineum

The main idea behind perineal massage is learning about this part of your anatomy , which many women are not familiar with. For that reason, it is often best to do it alone, especially at the beginning. However, you can also decide to share this experience with your partner.

Perineal massage by the partner

At the end of pregnancy, it is not always easy to access your vagina . If you wish, and if your partner agrees, you can ask for their help. Some couples feel the need to share this intense moment of intimacy—not as a sexual experience, but rather as a shared experience and an act of love.

Are there any contraindications to perineal massage?

During the first massage sessions, you may experience some discomfort. If it persists, do not push through it, and seek advice from your gynecologist or midwife. The goal is not to cause pain, but rather to improve your comfort during and postpartum . It is also not recommended to practice perineal massage if you have a vaginal infection or a urinary tract infection.

Moreover, if you experience contractions before the 37th week of pregnancy or 39 weeks of amenorrhea, healthcare professionals strongly advise against perineal massage, as the stimulation could be too intense. Before starting perineal massage, seek medical advice from the people who perform your pregnancy tracking .

However, if you have a scar in the perineal area, massage is even recommended because it helps loosen the scar tissue. You can even apply extra pressure to this specific spot with your thumb.

If the idea of perineal massage is not yet entirely familiar to you, simply try to incorporate it into a well-deserved relaxation ritual during the final weeks of pregnancy. After a warm bath in a pleasant atmosphere, you might enjoy this massage.