How to Give Yourself a Perineal Massage
Perineal massage is a gentle massage that promotes the elasticity of the lower regions of the cervix. Once this area is relaxed, it will be able to stretch to accommodate the birth of a baby. If you are fortunate, an episiotomy will be avoided.
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Instructions
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Wash hands thoroughly. Introducing foreign bacteria to the vagina could be hazardous to the fetus' (and mother's) health. Get comfortable in a private location. Leaning or sitting is the best position for perineal massage.
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Apply a lubricant on one's perineum and thumbs. Good choices would be vitamin E oil, vegetable oil, KY jelly or olive oil.
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Insert thumbs 1 to 1 1/2 inches inside of the vagina. Press against the sides of the vagina and downward at the same time. Continue to stretch the area until a tingling or burning feeling is experienced. Keep constant pressure on area until the sensation seems to fade away. This will take approximately two minutes.
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4
Massage the lower portion of the vagina in a back and forth motion. Proceed slowly and gently. Continue to work the lubricant into the tissues for four minutes.
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Pull the perineum forward and outward while thumbs are still hooked inside. This will stretch the tissue the same way a baby's head will stretch the perineum as the baby crowns.
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Start applying perineum massage at the 34th week of pregnancy up to twice a day. There will be a noticeable increase in stretchiness and flexibility after a week.
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Tips & Warnings
Be careful not the massage or apply lubricant to the urinary opening.
