Perineal massage, a preparation to smooth normal labor & bull; hello healthy

For third trimester pregnant women who are about to give birth are usually familiar with the term perineal massage. In order to smooth the labor process later, the choice of perineal massage is often used by pregnant women. However, how to do this perineal massage should not be arbitrary for optimal benefits.

Actually, what are the benefits of perineal massage and how to do it?

What is perineal massage?

The perineum is the area between the vaginal and anal muscles that connects the pelvic floor muscles (pelvic floor).

The pelvic floor muscles support pelvic organs such as the bladder and intestines.

During normal delivery, when pregnant women give birth in the hospital, the perineal area may be torn to make it easier for the baby to pass.

Vaginal tearing during childbirth is a common occurrence among women undergoing normal childbirth, including giving birth to twins.

Tears during childbirth can be classified as the first, second, third, and fourth degrees of tears.

The first degree involves only the skin of the perineum, while the second degree involves the skin and muscles of the perineum.

The third degree involves muscle and anal tissue, then the fourth degree occurs in about 0.25-2.5% of normal births.

If the pelvic floor muscles are weak, it can certainly have a negative impact on the bladder and intestines.

This can also have an impact on the perineal area that feels uncomfortable during sex after childbirth.

But sometimes, doctors can also perform an episiotomy procedure or cut the perineal area to enlarge the vaginal opening.

While the delivery procedure by caesarean section will not cause a tear in the perineum area because the incision is made in the mother's abdomen.

Well, perineal massage is a way to help readiness of the perineum so that it can be more flexible so that it is easy to stretch later when giving birth.

So, apart from providing various childbirth preparations and delivery supplies, this one massage can also be a consideration for you.

What are the benefits of perineal massage?

One of the benefits of perineal massage is that it can reduce the risk of tearing during childbirth and minimize perineal pain after childbirth.

Routine massage in the area of the woman is also expected to be able to prevent episiotomy procedures (vaginal scissors) during childbirth later.

Usually, mothers who are giving birth for the first time are more prone to experiencing perineal tears than mothers who have given birth several times.

The various benefits of perineal massage as a whole are as follows:

Increase the elasticity or flexibility of the perineum so that blood flow in this area is smoother so that it is easy and painless when stretching during labor
Makes it easier for the perineum to stretch
Reduces the chances of the doctor performing an episiotomy during childbirth
Minimizes pain in the perineum after delivery
It is very helpful if your perineal area is stiff or has a wound in the perineal area

If the perineum tears on its own or because of an episiotomy procedure, recovery and care after normal delivery may take longer.

Perineal wound care that lasts a little longer can make you experience discomfort, pain, urinary incontinence, and other things that hinder your daily activities.

On the other hand, the benefits of regular perineal massage can also help the mother relax her pelvic floor muscles which will be very helpful during labor.

When can perineal massage be done?

Perineal massage is usually done by pregnant women in the third trimester or the end of pregnancy.

According to the American Pregnancy Association, perineal massage can be done regularly since the last 3-4 weeks of pregnancy or before delivery or around 34 weeks of gestation.

Massage in the intimate area of this woman can be done alone or with the help of your partner alias your husband.

Schedule your weekly routine for doing massages, for example during or after bathing.

Doing massage while in the shower or after bathing can be a good time because the blood vessels in the area between the vagina and anus have widened.

This makes the perineal area softer and more comfortable to look at. That way, you will be influenced and feel more relaxed.

How to do a perineal massage?

Perineal massage can be done for about 5 minutes with a frequency of 3-4 times a week. The goal is of course to get your perineal area accustomed to stretching.

The sequence of how to perform perineal massage is as follows:

1. Wash hands

It is important to always wash your hands with soap and running water before starting to massage this female area.

If you do it yourself, of course you need to wash your own hands. Meanwhile, if assisted by a partner, ask him to wash his hands first.

Don't forget to make sure your nails are short so you don't injure the female area, quoting the Baby Center page.

2. Find a comfortable place and position

Next, find a place that allows you to relax and be distraction-free when you have to open your legs so you can comfortably perform perineal massage.

Try placing a pillow under your butt to make massage easier.

If the massage in the feminine area for pregnant women is done alone, you can use a mirror that is placed in front of the vagina.

This is useful so you can easily see what you are doing and also familiarize yourself with your perineal area.

This is intended to make it easier for you to see all parts of the vagina.

3. Lubricate the perineal area

Just like a body massage that usually uses oil to make the process easier, lubrication in the perineal area aims to make massage more comfortable.

If you don't want to directly lubricate the perineal area, you can lubricate the fingers first with massage oil.

Do this when you are in a comfortable position to massage the female area, namely lying with your legs bent and wide open.

You can also be in a sitting or standing position with your legs spread apart (straddled).

4. Start doing massage

Inhale and relax your body before starting the massage. The following are the stages of perineal massage that you and your partner can do:

Place your thumb about 2.5-4 centimeters (cm) at the bottom of the vagina
Press the thumb against the anus and to the side until the perineal area feels slightly stretched
Hold the stretch for about 1-2 minutes
Gently massage the lower part of the vagina for a maximum of 2-3 minutes
Massage with your thumbs towards the top of the perineum, outwards, then down again in a U-shaped motion
Repeat the massage for several times

You can apply this method of perineal massage while doing deep breathing techniques.

Massage in the feminine area is actually not painful. Even so, you may feel a little pressure when doing massage in the first few weeks.

It's best to avoid massaging the female area if you have vaginal herpes and vaginal infections.

It is important to understand that this one massage may not always provide the same benefits for all mothers who do it.

Sometimes, the mother may still experience tearing during childbirth or pain after childbirth depending on the condition she is experiencing.

That is why, make sure you consult in advance about all possibilities when the delivery process arrives later.