Perineum massage

Eva Rudolf-Müller is a freelance writer in the medical team. She studied human medicine and newspaper sciences and has repeatedly worked in both areas - as a doctor in the clinic, as a reviewer, and as a medical journalist for various specialist journals. She is currently working in online journalism, where a wide range of medicine is offered to everyone.

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A perineal massage is supposed to keep the tissue of the perineum (area between vagina and anus) elastic. Because the more elastic and elastic the perineum is, the easier it is to avoid a perineal tear or incision at birth. Read everything you need to know about the importance of perineal massage and how it works.

Why the perineal massage is important

When the child's head penetrates at birth, the tissues of the vagina, pelvic floor and perineum are stretched as much as possible, which can lead to tears. The perineum is most at risk - the perineal tear is therefore a common birth injury. Sometimes a perineal incision (episiotomy) is made as a precautionary measure during childbirth to relieve the tissue.

Regular perineal massage before delivery can prepare the tissue between the vagina and anus for the enormous stretch that occurs during delivery. This reduces the likelihood of a perineal tear or cut.

Perineal massage: instructions

Before starting the perineal massage, a warm bath can help to relax and loosen up the muscles. You can also soak a bag of black tea in water for four minutes and then, to put it lightly, press it against the perineum for five minutes. The warmth - like the warm bath - promotes blood circulation, and the tannins contained in tea make the skin less sensitive to pain.

Then get into a comfortable position for the perineal massage, for example half-sitting with several pillows in your back to support you. Or you can stop and stand on the edge of the bathtub or a chair. Before starting the perineal massage, check that your hands are clean and that your fingernails are short.

To avoid irritation of the skin and mucous membrane, you should use a neutral oil for the massage, for example almond, wheat germ or jojoba oil, sunflower, olive or St. John's wort oil. Or you can get a special perineal massage oil. A simple lubricant is just as helpful. You rub the oil or gel between your fingertips to warm it up and then spread it over the perineum and the inner labia. With your thumb, massage along the perineum and labia from the inside and carefully press the tissue towards the anus and down to the sides - just as the child's head presses against it from the inside at birth. Use your index finger to massage the perineum from the outside in small circular movements.

Use one or more fingers to stretch the vaginal opening until you feel a burning sensation for about two minutes, then continue to massage the perineum and labia. If previous births have injured this area and left scar tissue, massage it to make it softer.

Your midwife or gynecologist can give you further instructions on perineal massage.

Perineal massage: when and how often?

Begin with a perineal massage in the 32nd to 34th week of pregnancy. In the case of premature labor, however, it is better to wait until the 36th week before the massage - your doctor or midwife will advise you on this.

Do the perineal massage once a day, unless you have varicose veins, inflammation, or infection in the vaginal area.If you don't have time for a daily perineal massage, you should at least make time for it occasionally - it's still better than not doing a perineal massage entirely.

Perineal Massage: Better relaxation during childbirth

A perineal massage is not a guarantee that the perineum will not tear or that an incision will not be necessary during labor. But it is a good way to soften the fabric and increase its elasticity. In addition, a daily perineal massage increases your feeling for the vagina and pelvic floor and thus your ability to relax during childbirth.

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