WhatisPerinealMassage?

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BEFOREYOUSTART… HOWTOPERFORMPERINEALMASSAGE

Have a warm bath or shower to help relax the area and to minimize infection risks.

Perineal Massage Preparing your body for labour; antenatal perineal massage information

Gently press towards the anus/back passage and to the sides of the vagina at the same time to stretch the opening,

It’s normal to feel a lot of stretching and burning when you first start perineal massage. This will reduce over time.

Empty your bladder, wash your hands and find somewhere relaxing to perform the massage, seated or reclined.

Massage the lubricant in slowly and gently in a “U” shaped motion whilst maintaining the pressure for 10 seconds. Repeat this for approximately 5 minutes.

Perineal massage is one way of preparing the vagina and perineum for the stretching and sensation of pressure during birth. It is something you can do, or your partner can do for you in pregnancy.

Whatarethebenefits?WhencanIstartperinealmassage?

Perineal massage is safe from 34 weeks of pregnancy and can be performed with a water-soluble lubricant, or a natural oil (like olive oil or coconut oil).

ü Increases your awareness of the perineal area

ü Increases the elasticity and flexibility of the perineum, which will help it to stretch as the baby’s head is birthed.

ü Decreases the burning and stinging sensation during second stage of labour.

ü Allows you to become familiar with the sensation of pressure in the region.

Apply the natural oil or lubricant onto your clean hands and perineum.

Place one or two thumbs into the vagina (3-5cm inside).

Use a mirror to look at the area you are going to massage. Become familiar with your vaginal opening and perineum.

When not to perform perineal massage?

û Before 34 weeks of pregnancy û If you have experienced cervical shortening û If you have placenta praevia (low lying placenta) û If you have experienced preterm labour that has now settled. û If you have had blood pressure problems, or baby growth problems.

û If you have vaginal herpes, thrush or a vaginal infection.

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DISCUSS WITH YOUR MIDWIFE/OBSTETRICIAN before commencing

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References:

1. Beckmann MM, Stock O. Antenatal perineal massage for reducing perineal trauma. Cochrane Database Systematic Review (2013)

2. Hallam T, The postnatal patient.

3. Jones LE, Marsden N. The application of antenatal perineal massage: a review of literature to determine instruction, dosage and technique. Journal Assoc Charter Physiotherapy Women’s Health (2008); 102: 8- 11.

4. Mei-Dan E, Walfisch A, Raz I, Levy A, Hallak M. Perineal massage during pregnancy: a prospective controlled trial. Isr Med Assoc J. 2008 Jul; 10(7):499-502.

5. Pamaiahgari P. Antenatal perineal massage. The Joanna Briggs Institute (N.D.)

6. Queensland Maternity and Neonatal Clinical Guideline: Perineal Care, Queensland Government (2012)

7. Royal Brisbane & Women’s Hospital, Antenatal Perineal Massage Brochure.