Perineal Massage

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Has anyone done this and did it work? I’m 31 weeks and bought some almond oil from Holland and Barrett. I’m hoping my DP will help me as I can’t really reach anymore.
I want to avoid trading as much as possible and get the area used to the stretching sensation.

I've heard that it's BS and doesn't do anything.

I tried it briefly with my first child but couldn't stand the weird sensation. And I tore upwards next to my clitours anyway!

I keep thinking anything is worth a try...!

We tried it, but always got, ahem, distracted!

I’m going to try it, don’t see the harm. Although I want to try and do it myself rather than DP!

I have had many natural births and didn't tear /have stitches. No massage involved.
Did have very active pregnancies though........

We bought the almond oil, tried it, I hated it.

Almond oil is great for putting on cradle cap, and is a lovely lip moisturiser when you kiss your baby’s head though!

@WhatAnAbsolutePenis Actually, no it isn’t. Here’s a link from the Cochrane library. www.cochrane.org/CD005123/PREG_antenatal-perineal-massage-for-reducing-perineal-trauma
Evidence shows that it reduced perineal trauma and ongoing pain following a vaginal delivery. Definitely worth a go.

I think most studies show it’s effective from about 34 weeks off the top of my head, but it can’t hurt to start sooner. I have been doing it for a few weeks (I’m 38 weeks) but to be honest I don’t love it so it probably gets done for a few mins about 3-4 x per week rather than daily. The research is there to back it up though!

I’ve got the Weleda oil and it says to do it 3-4 times per week from 34 weeks. @StarfishSandwich, you’re doing it totally right.

Did it both times. Ended up with an episiotomy both times anyway! But I did heal from them pretty quickly so maybe it did help in some way. I just did it myself though.

Looking at the paper then if you haven't had a previous vaginal birth:

1. Perineal massage was associated with an overall 9% reduction in the incidence of trauma requiring suturing
2. Women who practised perineal massage were 16% less likely to have an episiotomy

I did it, had a forceps delivery and episiotomy in the end but no tearing. When I started pelvic floor physio for birth related issues my physiotherapist was really surprised I hadn't torn considering what the birth was like and said it was probably due to the massage. I started at 34 weeks. That obviously doesn't mean that it works like that for everyone, just my story.

Did it all 3 times and no tearing at all. I found that by being used to the sensation I was able to deliver the head really slowly, didn't really experience the 'ring of fire'. I'd say it's worth doing. I did it from 34 weeks daily for 5 mins

Any excuse!!
I did it through most of my pregnancy and didn't tear at all, it seemed to work well for me.

I think it sounds like it should work! but I ended up with an episiotomy and tear, so it didn't for me.

Oh, and don't use an oil you already use / want to cook with in the future. Have never been able to use coconut oil since 😂

Hard to say how effective it is, but it’s definitely worth a try.

4 births here, no tearing.

I did it. Had my first baby in April. No tearing. It's always going to be difficult to prove that it actually works. It can do harm so you might as well try it

I did this and even roped in DP towards the end when I couldn't reach. I ended up having a fairly quick labour which resulted in an episiotomy. I guess it comes down to how your labour goes but as previous people have said, there's no harm in prepping the area before hand.

Try it! I didn't try it I couldn't be bothered... was cut anyway 🙄

Did it religiously as per the advice and ended up with an episiotomy. So in my case it didn't work unfortunately. Tempted to try the epi-no this time...