Perineal massage... are you doing it

[katiegolightly]

The time to start this is approaching. uh. must I? I can barely reach it. It's not that romantic to ask DP to join in! Did you? Did it make any difference at all?

nope, had 2 births so far and didnt do it. first birth needed an episiotomy to get the ventouse in, no amount of stretching myself would have avoided that, and second birth it all happened as its meant to with no tearing, just some mild abrasions.

you are designed to stretch down there naturally without rubbing and pulling at it for months beforehand! just listen to the midwife and let the baby crown slowly :)

Found this article. Looks fairly recent and pretty large sample size.

It appears the most benefit come from doing it at a low rate?? (1.5 times a week had more benefit than greater amounts) Also, it is mostly through avoiding episiotomies, not tears. I don't entirely follow the discussion, but it seems like the authors are suggesting that it might be through an effect on the woman's confidence during the labour process and not necessarily a physical effect. But they appear to be unsure, there.

That said, I haven't been doing it, and at 38 weeks, probably won't start. I've got enough other things to do to keep my SPD in check!

I was told to do this by the MW and I thought it might be quite nice if the BF were to get involved...no such luck. He looked aghast when I asked him and then burst out laughing!

I did it for a month, absolutely hated it and thne had an episiotomy

Thanks ardenbird - always good to read some new research. Might be too late for me now though - 38 weeks with twins...But then I am quietly confident about my lady bits so...

DH did it for me with DD1 (I couldn't reach!). He had no problem about doing it (he also prunes the lady garden for me... ). It wasn't really painful. I think it is more about gradually increasing flexibility and elasticity in the perineal area, than about stretching it to kingdom come!!! We practised the technique on plasticine at our antenatal classes! I certainly haven't been done any damage by doing it, and done gently and gradually can't see it can do any harm. I never got to test it out though, as I ended up with an emcs, so can't provide any opinion on effectiveness.

Catsycat bit off topic but was impressed to read about your DH's pruning! have been considering asking my other half to wax my legs!

Catsycat, Im also v impressed with the DH pruning! Thats awesome. I was actually thinking about that today...I want to be neat and in shape down there in time for the birth, but I literally cant reach down there with the bump and I really cant face a full on wax! What has anybody else done in this situation?

Mummyluce am still struggling with the razor but can't really see what I'm doing! I guess a trip to the salon or training DP is the only other option!!

Pfffffffft. I reckon it's bunkum, plus I'm squeamish. I'm 12 weeks with first and friend with three kids has said as much and she also said she wished she had done pelvic floor exercises so that's all I'm going to do.
It's 45 minutes a day of whatever yoga/pilates thing is on the fitness channel for me.

Interested in this too as I haven't done it before. I had an episiotomy with DS1 and tore along the scar (2nd degree tear) with DS2, and was wondering if this might help prevent tearing this time.... or am I just someone who will tear anyway? Will look through the research that people have mentioned...