Perineal massage - is it meant to hurt??

[SpawnChorus]

I'm 36 weeks pg and have just started perineal massage. I'm a bit concerned that even very gentle pressure is quite sore...it's a sort of prickling pain, and I think my perineum feels quite tight.

I had an episiotomy + 2nd deg tear during 1st birth, and another 2nd deg tear during 2nd birth. I wonder if the prickly pain is caused by scar tissue?

Obv I'm going to continue with it, but I'm kind of worried that it's a lost cause...or is it normal to feel this discomfort?

[MrsBadger]

discomfort is ok

pain isn;t

iirc we were told it's meant to feel like when you put your fingers in the corners of your mouth and stretch...

[SpawnChorus]

Hmmm, it's more sore than that.

I just have a horrible feeling that my perineum is already shot to pieces and I'm going to tear really badly this time.

[Picante]

It was definitely pretty painful for the first couple of attempts - but has relaxed considerably over the weeks. I assume you're using oil of some kind? I'd persevere. I was told to stretch it so it stings slightly then hold it for a minute or as long as you can.

[bethoo]

how do you massage it? i thought you just rubed oil on it!
am curious as 20 weeks pregannt with third so would like ot reduce the stinging feelign i had whilst in labour with second!
when can you start? would it be too early for me now?

[SpawnChorus]

Picante - that's helpful! It's reassuring to hear that I might actually be able to detect an improvement over the course of the next few weeks. I'm using a sunflower/olive oil blend btw. Not v glamorous!

bethoo - if you google perineal massage you'll find diagrams. You need to stretch and pull downwards on the perineal area with your fingers or thumbs inserted in your vagina. I don't see any reason not to start now if you really want to...it's a bit of a faff and not exactly fun (IME so far!) which is why I've procrastinated til now. I think ideally you should start by 34 weeks.

[Rosebud05]

Ditto it starting off uncomfortable/painful and getting less so the more you do it. I did it for both of mine (religiously from 34 weeks for first and less religiously for the second) and didn't tear either time.
Good luck!