Perineal massage - does it make a difference & will a tool help??

[CharlieAndMoose]

I'm encroaching on 34 weeks pregnant and thinking about preparation for labour. The midwife at my antenatal class recommended perineal massage, but I'm not sure I can manage it! Manoeuvring my arms around the bump is challenging, and I have long nails, which I intend to keep as long as I can before they get impractical with the newborn. So I'm concerned about straining myself, or worse, scratching 😂 I've been looking at massage tools online but they seem really steep in price, starting at £30. I don't really want to fork out all that for what is essentially an sexless dildo, if it's not going to make any difference!

Have any MN users either managed perineal massage without a tool, or used a tool to help? And do you think it made any difference during labour? Honest reviews from all perspectives will be hugely appreciated!

Honestly I wouldn't bother. There is no decent evidence to show that it works. Deffo don't spend money on it.
I didn't tear with either of mine and only did a half hearted attempt at massage at best.
What does make a difference imo is hypnobirthing. Deep breathing and taking the pushing stage slowly allows the perenium to stretch as gently as possible.

Hehe I'd forgotten about this debacle!
Couldn't reach, gave up 😅
Concentrated on expressing some colostrum which was more fruitful.

I had a full term speedy vaginal birth and a first degree tear, don't suppose I can really say whether it could have made any difference.

No

😂

Never done it. Had 10 natural births without tears or stitches..

I did the massage myself using grape seed oil. I managed to stand in the bath and lift one leg onto the side and reached easily enough. I didn’t tear but as per pp I tried to take that last stage of pushing slowly to give the perineum time to stretch, they held a warm compress on it at this stage too which apparently helps. Good luck!

There actually is decent evidence to say it works and it’s recommended to reduce risk of significant tearing. You don’t need anything fancy or tools, just use your thumbs,

I got my DP to do it as I couldn't reach!

I tried but still had a cut and forceps!

I'm pretty sure there is good evidence it helps.

If you can't reach would you consider using something like AniBall? I found it really useful, for both gentle stretching and getting to know what a head crowning might feel like - how to control that.

I'm pregnant with my second. Midwife at booking was shocked I hadn't torn with my first, especially as I had a fast labor.

Unless there's been new studies in the last 5 years, there isn't strong evidence it helps. I read the Cochrane review of all the studies. The Cochrane review said it reduced the risk of episiotomy but did not significantly reduce the risk of tearing. I did it anyway so I felt like I'd tried but no, it probably won't make a difference based on the scientific evidence.

As explained in my post, I can't reach comfortably and I have long nails!

Thanks all for your input - it's very varied 😂 I won't bother with purchasing any tools, but I do have the oil as part of a gift set, so I'll probably just put it on like a moisturizer then do some other exercises and hope for the best!

@Happydays2025 I have done a hypnobirthing course and I am practicing my breathing regularly. Usually when my dog does something stupid to elevate my adrenaline levels. It's a good opportunity to practice bringing them down haha.

Get your partner to do it, probably worth it if you have the time and inclination to avoid any tears. Good luck!

That’s no way to talk about the father of your unborn child….

I did it religiously with my first, fast birth, 2nd degree tear. Same with my second. Another fast birth at home 3b tear. Stitched up in theatre after uncomfortable ambulance ride. Didn’t want to risk a 4th degree with the third so went for C Section! Which wasn’t much fun either tbh. So it’s up to you of course, but it didn’t help me. I even bought one of those weird ‘hole’ stretchers (think insert, inflate 👀) You can’t see, feel or tell I’ve been stitched up like a turkey twice, and my tears healed really well, I was up feeding the chickens 3 days after DS2. There’s no saying you’ll tear at all. Good luck with the birth