Doesn't Want Vagina Torn When Giving Birth? Try Perineum Massage

Medical Video: Episiotomy

Perineal massage is a practice that has long been done to help smooth labor, according to Dr. Gaither is a M.D. in New York. Perineum itself is a part of the body that is located right between the opening of the vagina and anus. If done every day from the 34th week of pregnancy, perineal massage can soften the skin, increase elasticity, and also increase the ability of the perineum to stretch, so it can reduce tears and avoid incisions (episiotomy) when you give birth. This practice can also help prospective mothers relax their pelvic floor muscles which will be very helpful during labor.

To find out more about perineal massage, let's see more below.

Is perineal massage really effective in preventing vaginal tears?

We know that perineal massage is done to help with labor, but is it effective? A review of the study in The Cochrane Collaboration 2013, noted that women who had carried out the technique had a rate of 9% lower for perineal trauma requiring sutures, and also 16% more likely to avoid incisions to open the baby's birth canal.

According to the Journal of Midwifery & Women's Health, although perineal massage can help all women, it will be more effective for women who have given birth for the first time, and women over the age of 30 years. According to Kim Trout, Ph.D., a woman who is giving birth for the first time has a high risk of experiencing a tear that requires stitches, and that technique can also reduce risk by as much as 50%.

Regarding the vaginal tear during childbirth

A torn vagina during childbirth is a common occurrence among women who undergo a normal delivery process. Research has consistently shown that women may experience tears during the first birth, either with the help of scissors, or with the help of vacuum.

The tear during childbirth can be classified as the degree of the first, second, third, to fourth tear. The first degree only involves the perineal skin, while the second degree involves the skin and perineal muscles. The third degree involves the muscles and anal tissue, while the fourth degree occurs around 0.25-2.5% at normal birth.

Is perineal massage safe?

Generally, yes, but you still need to consult your obstetrician or midwife before starting, especially if you have a history of herpes. According to Dr. Gaither, doing a perineal massage when you have active herpes will actually increase the risk of spreading the virus to all genital tracts. Even if your herpes is resolved, get your doctor's approval first for your health and your baby's.

How do you do a perineal massage?

Try this technique yourself, with clean hands and short nails, or you can ask your partner to do it. You should start at 34 weeks' gestation. Do it for 5 minutes, 3-4 times a week. This is so that your perineum is used to experiencing stretching. If you are going to do it yourself, put a mirror so you can see what you are doing and also familiarize yourself with your perineal area.

Make sure your hands are clean.
Sit in a semi-lying position in a comfortable area, with your knees bent and legs wide open. You can also do it in a standing position and one of the legs is lifted. You can also do it during a bath or shower using a shower where warm water can make you more comfortable.
Lubricate your fingers with vitamin E oil, pure vegetable oil, or water-soluble vaginal lubricant. Do not use baby oil, mineral oil, or petroleum jelly.
Place your thumb or finger about 5 cm in your vagina. Use your fingers to gently stretch your vagina to one side. At first you will feel like burning and uncomfortable.
Continue to massage towards your perineum. Then continue the massage to the other side of the vagina. Your finger massage pattern will follow a U-shaped pattern (right side-perineum-left side or left-perineum-right side)
Repeat massage for 4-5 minutes

Of course, perineal massage isn't for everyone, and it can't be helped in every case. The most important thing you can do is choose an experienced and comfortable midwife or doctor without making an incision (generally, midwives tend to do vaginal incisions compared to doctors). Regardless of the type of practitioner you choose, discuss all your wishes before the birth process.