Perineal massage?

Question

Did anyone do perineal massage during their pregnancy and did it help to prevent tearing or the need for an episiotomy?

http://www.childbirth.org/articles/massage.html

Answer 1

I didn't, but wished I had as my son tore me and I needed loads of stitches.

Answer 2

yes, and i did not have an episiotomy only a very slight graze. I done the massage for about 1 month before the baby was due and my husband helped with the massage as well.

Answer 3

I didn't do it through any of my pregnancies, and only had an episiotomy and stitches with the forceps delivery of my second child. No stitches, no tears, only slight bruising for the other three.

But check with your delivering doctor as some do more episiotomies than others. Lucky for the first and third and fourth the doctor didn't do it as a matter of course.

Answer 4

I by no skill did any perineal massaging, and that i did no longer tear. My daughter became into 8 pound 15 and a a million/2! i think of the best element to do to steer away from tearing is to truly pay attention to what the midwives say approximately the thank you to breath, as this facilitates you administration once you push. human beings (frequently) tear whilst they push on the incorrect area of the contraction, and whilst the pinnacle is crowning and that they only attempt to get it out somewhat of waiting for the subsequent contraction. So my suggestion is regardless of if the midwives are no longer especially telling you what to do ask them. whilst the pinnacle is comming say "how do I breathe precise now" in the event that they have the staggering adventure they could desire to be waiting to instruct you thru appropiately. good success and congrats!

Answer 5

i didn't do it during my pregnancy and didn't tear when i gave birth, a lot of tearing versus not tearing is to do with how you deliver the baby, I've watched a lot of those trashy childbirth programmes on discovery home and health and livingtv2 and it seems that when the woman has torn its because she pushed hard as the baby was crowning and the force at which the babies head was delivered has been the cause of the tear. i remember reaching the point they call the ring of fire (aptly named i have to tell you) where the babies head has just begun to crown and the midwife told me to pant ,which she didn't have to as i was already panting the word NO over and over again. i was so glad i didn't tear as i had seen my sisters after they had and they were all sitting around on rubber rings and i was dreading it. it did make life really easy after the birth
try anything is my advice.

Answer 6

Hi!
I did it (actually my husband did...) and I didn't tear at all. I've heard it helps and I believe it does as well. When you think about the concept of the massage, it makes sense.
Good luck!!!

Answer 7

i actually did some research on this today and read that it has NOT been shown to reduce pain or tearing (scientific research). but, i did it 6 years ago for my 1st baby. i still tore and had some stitches and she was a teeny one (5 lb 11 oz). it might not hurt...but might not help. and actually it is a bit uncomfy :)

Answer 8

I must admit that I never and I didn't tear or have an episiotomy.

Answer 9

I did it for a while but found it very hard to reach the right places. But there is more than one method, so just try a few.

Answer 10

Yes I did, and I didnt tear at all, though I have no idea if the massing helped. It was highly recommended at my anti-natal classes and by my health visitor though.