Perineal massage - does it work?

[dan39]

I am 34 weeks and will try it (just have done in fact with DH and it was hilarious!!)Any views on whether it helps or not? Mind you I think I will carry on anyway!

It didn't help me.

didn't do it - had 3.5hour labour, 6 min pushing stage

What is it?

I'm planning on trying it (compeltely terrified of tearing) but not sure when to start. Did you start now at 34 weeks, dan39?

I did it, and I didn't tear - I had a few 'grazes' even though DS was 17 days late and 8lb12oz. BUT - even though I was off my face on G&A and morphine, I made myself listen to my fab mw when she told me when to push - I think that was the main factor in not tearing. FWIW, I used Palmer's Scar Serum - I had a bottle lying around - or wheatgerm oil, and started around 32 weeks IIRC. Good luck!

Never bothered and no perineal tear (x2). I think it has more to do with your position in 2nd stage. i.e upright/all 4s not stranded beetle on you back with legs in air.

titmouse I started at 33 weeks and I have to get dh to do it cos I can't reach - its fun and I think dh really thinks he is helping, and likes it (or he is just a big perv - one or the other.. and I think its worth a go cos its not unpleasant.

Doing what I am told re the pushing - I understand the theory but this is my first so no real idea what to expect!!

I tried it for the first time yesterday, and my husband and I were in fits.

I was giggling so hard I thought I'd wet myself (which caused John some worry!) and then each time I composed myself, he try again, and I'd dissolve into another fit of laughter. John would then get the giggles, because he said whenever I laughed, my fango would make a scary face at him!!!!

I figure anything that brings mirth is a good thing, plus he gets to feel like he's helping, and it can't hurt, can it?!

BTW, I'm 32 + 4.

I think so too!! We have done it a few times now and dh has composed himself but I still think its hilarious!! And on a more serious note dh thinks he has a 'role' now.

No harm in doing it at all but unfortunately didn't do the trick for me...mind you the many many stitches were prob to do with DD weighing in at 9lbs 5 and being overdue!! At least you can at the ridiculousness of the situation!!!

No harm in doing it at all but unfortunately didn't do the trick for me...mind you the many many stitches were prob to do with DD weighing in at 9lbs 5 and being overdue!! At least you can at the ridiculousness of the situation!!!

Statistically the difference that it makes isn't that big - but I still think it's worth it as if you're one of the people that would have torn, but doesn't, then it makes a big difference to you personally.

Don't forget that to avoid tearing it's much more important to have a supportive midwife who doesn't rush things and to avoid pushing like a crazy woman (not a problem for me, as my babies like my uterus too much and don't want to come out at all!).

Up there with stretch mark oil for useless and ineffectual things to do in my personal experience. But each to her own.

Tbh I think things like perineal massage / drinking raspberry tea / taking arnica tablets before the birth (and I did all of these) are useful only in that they give us a sense of being in control - doing something useful to prepare for the birth. Birth is so scary and so unpredictable that anything we can do to try to influence it is very appealing. But, no, I don't think any of them work in terms of having a physical effect.

I think that's my view as well, FunnyLittleFrog. If it helps people feel like they're making an effort, and getting a sense of control, then they can try it. Some people will think they have worked. But you're hardly even tinkering at the edges.

I read some stats a while ago and it is supposed to help a bit.

I read somewhere that it helps if it is your first birth, less so if it is your second or subsequent. I did it for all three of mine and had second degree tear in exactly the same place all three times. Sorry, probably not very encouraging.

LOL at 'tinkering at the edges'. Surely that's exactly what you are doing with perineal massage .

LOL True enough.

Made MrNC feel involved and useful, and I'm sure it didn't hurt. No idea if it worked - A stayed put for 39 hours before popping out in one push with a ventouse. Healed very quickly but I think that was more down to an excellent cut and stitching.

I'd put on my birth plan I wanted an expert if either was necessary and was assured I had one - and was complimented afterwards by 3 different midwives on the beautiful stitching!

Hi notcitrus, that's reminded me to amend my birth plan to add the word 'expert'!

Can't answer the original post yet as still waiting to give birth, but the few times we've tried it I've found it very uncomfortable.

worked for me, what have you got to lose?