Bleeding after perineal massage

[FranTan]

Ok, so I thought at 35 weeks I should start with the old perineal massage, especially as I have a huge birthing fear around this (previous episiotomy). On the second day, I was going for the burn with my olive oil and it really did sting, but I was under the impression this was supposed to happen.

When I had finished I noticed some blood, although couldn't locate exactly from where it came. It's still sore and I decided to have a night off tonight.

Anyone else had this? Am guessing I stretched too far too soon but if this is what my finger can do stretching a few cms, what is the baby's head going to do??!!

Bump

Omg it shouldn't bleed! You're supposed to mainly massage around the outside. What instructions/guidelines are you using? I cannot imagine what you have done other than maybe scratch yourself?

I've been using this one, mainly:

www.oxfordradcliffe.nhs.uk/forpatients/090427patientinfoleaflets/090924perinealmassage.pdf

I've also done reading on Mumsnet and am sure I've read that it should sting a bit, otherwise you won't get the full benefit. I've obviously stretched too far but it's making me anxious for the birth.

I don't think you can stretch it too far with massage because it would be very painful. I expect you may have just grazed yourself a bit. Unless you're in pain I wouldn't worry although I'm not medically qualified or anything.

I used the instructions from an NCT class with my pregnancies and no tearing to perineum. NCT guidance is here and it looks like a bit of stinging is normal. You may have just been a bit vigorous?

If it was just a little bit of bleeding and you don't think it's coming from your cervix then I would relax about it. Even a little scratch can bleed quite a lot in that area when you're v pregnant as I found when I nicked myself trying to do a trim while v pregnant You could mention it to the midwife if you're very worried?

Also, if it's any reassurance it's previously had a good old stretch from when you gave birth last time.

Just a thought, but did you have an epidural last time? I haven't had one so had full sensation and in my very limited personal experience it feels like your fanjo is burning. I mean really painfully burning and yet I still had no tearing or episiotomy. If you're not shrieking or weeping in pain I doubt you've done anything to worry about.

Thanks for the NCT guidance, CelineMcBean, I shall follow this in future.

Yes I did have an epidural last time, along with a foreceps delivery, which I'm keen to avoid this time. So the perineal stretch during the "massage" I've given myself is the only experience I have of this crowning sensation. Of course I'm terrified of tearing along the episiotomy scar but there's not much I can do about that. If only I could accept it!

Thanks for your response.

Just done my first p massage and now bleeding not a good start!

Think I can see where it is bleeding from must have scratched it with my long nails or stretched too far.
Any advice? Xx

I had an episiotomy with my first baby and the scar didn't even tear when my second (bigger!) baby was born, I think you'd have to be massaging very enthusiastically to do any damage.