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Pregnancy

Talk about every stage of pregnancy, from early symptoms to preparing for birth.

Original poster

Perineum massage!

13 replies

Beautifulfreakmua · 13/05/2016 22:09

Hi ladies!

I just bought some perineum massage oil today as I read it can help with birth tearing and maybe help against having to get episiotomy!

It says to start at 34 weeks. Do you think I can start earlier? Who has tried it? What did you think? Hmm thanks!

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LimesMum · 13/05/2016 22:48

Following with interest, thanks was going to post similar!

FoxgloveStar · 14/05/2016 02:44

I think the point of starting at 34 is that you have enough relaxin in your system that the stretching will work.

cantbelieveImquittingcoffee · 14/05/2016 06:58

I didn't start it until about 37 weeks, did it about 3-4 times a week but ended up needing an episiotomy so I don't really know if it helped! It wasn't that big a deal once I got my head around it though, so definitely worth a try!

Original poster
Beautifulfreakmua · 14/05/2016 07:02

Yeah I guess that makes perfect sense! I'm having a home water birth so want to avoid all these things if possible! I'll try the massage in about 5 weeks then! When I hit 30 weeks!

OP posts:
GrubbyWindows · 15/05/2016 12:53

My midwives say not to start before 36 weeks as they don't want you doing anything that might get things going early- not that I think it would!

Ziege · 15/05/2016 13:09

I did the massage as well; don't remember when I started but not very early, probably not before 34 weeks. I remembere being surprised how awkward I found it to do the massage though. Belly too much in the way. But: I didn't even need stitches after the birth! Midwife thought the massage might have helped; also the water, it was a more or less unplanned water birth. Will definitely do it this pregnancy again and believe in it.

gunting · 15/05/2016 14:30

I did it but ended up with a second degree tear. I did have a 10lb odd baby so although it didn't really help I will never know if it saved me from anything worse!! Grin

MindfulBear · 16/05/2016 02:12

I tried the massage but was too squeamish. The Epi no was easier and cane highly recommended by a number of people.

BerryB · 16/05/2016 02:44

I started around 30 weeks and used it every other night until the end. Didn't tear at all even though had a ventouse delivery. So would highly recommend it!

Original poster
Beautifulfreakmua · 16/05/2016 08:02

Wow a 10lb baby!! No wonder you tore Gunting.

I think I'll just stick to when it says then but I'm going to be seeing my midwife in two days so I can ask her for advice then!

OP posts:
FifiRebel · 16/05/2016 08:02

What type of oil have you all bought? I'm nearly 30 weeks so keen to try this out soon

BerryB · 16/05/2016 12:27

I used this one and would recommend it
www.weleda.co.uk/mum-to-be/perineum-massage-oil-50ml/invt/606161

lavenderdoilly · 16/05/2016 12:32

Sorry. Made no difference to me. Lot of bad injuries.Maybe others have more positive stories.

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