Perineal massage

11 replies

Ericadm · 27/09/2013 22:29

When is the earliest you can start perineal massage? It is generally recommended from 34 weeks but is there any harm in starting earlier, just in case baby is early?

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mrscog · 28/09/2013 20:09

I think I started around 33/34 weeks but it didn't work for me - massive 2nd degree tear. Wish I'd spent the extra time relaxing to be honest as actually the tear wasn't a big deal after all.

agendabender · 29/09/2013 19:30

Watching...I tore like a peach last time, at 33 weeks but with a MASSIVE head...midwife has recommended massage and waterbirth.

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Ericadm · 29/09/2013 22:28

Me too agendabender, I did no massage as too uncomfortable and got third degree tear - auch! Now only 21 weeks but can't wait to start it! Anything to avoid tearing again so badly!! Mrscog how can you be sure it did not work for you? maybe you'd have tore even worse without it!

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mrscog · 29/09/2013 22:56

I suppose I hadn't thought of that, but then they did drag DS out with a ventose and no episiotomy so I can't imagine it can have gotten much worse under that kind of pressure!

Polarbear72 · 30/09/2013 14:19

I thought about doing this but I have no idea how people can reach :-o

I certainly can't!

Geneticsbunny · 01/10/2013 17:24

I think it might be the same as stretch marks I.e. you either get them or not and there is not much you can do to change it. Best trick to avoid a tear i think is to really listen to what the midwife says about not pushing during 2nd stage. Although having read this I am going to try it as I had an awful tear last time.

SquidgersMummy · 02/10/2013 10:42

I don't think it works....pushing too hard and too soon and when crowning is to blame I think but also if its a really big baby I'd try and insist on a section. I was frightened of pushing so in my head decided at some point to not push and eventually they would take me for a section (altered state of mind in childbirth disclaimer )....well its like vomiting - if you don't help your body does it anyway when its ready but I think it is gentler. The problem is with your first they say 'do you feel the urge to push' and you dont know what they mean as its your first go...the urge takes over when you are ready!! I'd def go for this again. A bit like hypobirthing breathing the baby out: no purple pushing there either. Water birth would def help lubricate things too x

Geneticsbunny · 02/10/2013 19:05

I agree squidgersmummy I Am hoping for breathing this one out.

Didn't mean to scare anyone with the 'awful tear' it didn't hurt much and they stitched it very neatly and it has healed up nicely.

ThePequod · 02/10/2013 20:53

Charming community midwife saw my episiotomy (forceps delivery) and assumed it was a tear. Conversation went something like this:
MW: "Oh, you tore, did you do any perineal massage?"
Me: "Yes, from 36 weeks, but..."
MW: "But maybe not enough or not often enough"
Still makes me grrrrrrrrr. Anyway, she seemed to think the massage was helpful in preventing tears

Original poster

Ericadm · 02/10/2013 22:05

I tore as result of forceps and I am hoping perineal massage may prevent me from tearing badly along my old scar, which feels quite stiff. Lots of people including midwifes recommended a water birth to reduce risk with the next baby but the hospital staff strongly advice against it, they think I would be more likely to tear again as they won't be able to monitor what is going on with the baby head as easily. Now very confused!!

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PinkApple86 · 03/10/2013 22:54

I gave birth on Tuesday. tried the massage at 34 weeks but couldn't reach. Dh did it once but he felt uncomfortable so decided to forget it. I had small tear but no need for a stitch. I can hardly feel it tbh and wee fine. Bit scared to look at the moment though. I was so worried about tearing but all I will say is when they say pant and don't push...DO IT! That's your best chance

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