Please or to access all these features

Add post

Watch this thread

Save thread

Start a new thread

Flip thread

Hide thread

My feed

Active Unanswered threads

Getting started FAQ's

Unanswered threads Acronyms Talk guidelines

Hide shortcut buttons

Talk

Pregnancy

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

Flip

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? thanks!

OP posts:

Are your children’s vaccines up to date?

Set a reminder

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!!

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.

Flip