Perineal massage

[jadeyty]

Who is actually doing perineal massage? I'm nearly 37 weeks and not started yet...the thought of it just puts me off. Will I be the odd one out not doing it? Does everyone do it these days??? Does it really reduce risk of tearing that much?

My partner is working away until 6 days before DD (Friday!) and I literally cannot do it myself. So I'm SOL my only hope is for a nice slow labour I suppose!?

it does reduce risk of needing episiotomy or tearing. my DP did it for me in my first pregnancy when I ended up having an emcs 2nd time round I did it myself but left it a bit too late (only started at 38 weeks) so prob didn't do it enough. as it happens I had emergency assisted vaginal delivery with ventouse due to baby being in distress so needed episiotomy as no time to allow me to stretch

recovery from episiotomy has been really hard as some of my stiches have come out. in my case I am not sure more perennial massage would've helped due to emergency nature of delivery but personally would want to try anything to avoid epistiotomy or tearing so would do it if I were you. it might not feel pleasant but it's better than the alternative

I had a go and found it really uncomfortable, so haven't done it since. The evidence about the benefits of perineal massage is a bit unreliable anyway, very limited studies showing limited benefits. I'm adopting a 'what will be, will be' attitude towards tearing, and hoping I'll be able to breath the head out nice and slow! X