Perineal massage is a type of massage done in the woman’s intimate region that helps lengthen and strengthen the perineal muscles facilitating the baby’s exit during normal delivery and reducing the chances of lacerations.
This massage can be done at home but, ideally, should be oriented by the gynecologist, obstetrician or pelvic physiotherapist.
Massage in the perineum is a good way to increase lubrication, make the skin more malleable, make the muscles stronger and elastic, and provide greater comfort and increase of sexual pleasure.
So that Serve
Massage in the perineum in pregnancy serves to increase the elasticity of the perineum.
This contributes to reducing perineum trauma or lacerations during vaginal delivery, facilitating postpartum recovery.
When it is indicated
Perineal massage is indicated for:
- Prepare the perineum for vaginal delivery;
- Reduce the risk of perineum rupture during vaginal delivery;
- Decrease the feeling of burning during the baby’s head out of vaginal delivery;
- Reduce the risk of need for an episiotomy;
- Increase the feeling of preparation for vaginal delivery.
In addition, perineal massage can help reduce postpartum pain or sexual discomfort that may arise after pregnancy.
Massage in the perineum is indicated from the 34th week of gestation and should be oriented by the obstetrician or obstetric physiotherapist.
Make an appointment with the obstetrician in the region closest to you:
What is the difference between perineal massage and pelvic massage?
Perineal massage and pelvic massage are different in the way they are done and benefits.
While perineal massage is done by introducing fingers into the vaginal canal, pelvic massage helps strengthen the pelvic floor through exercise such as Kegel exercises or pelvic physiotherapy.
In addition, perineal massage has the benefit of increasing the elasticity of the perineum, facilitating vaginal delivery and avoiding perineum trauma.
Pelvic massage, on the other hand, improves blood flow and strengthens the muscles of the pelvic region, avoiding urinary or fecal incontinence, for example.
Also read: Pelvic floor exercises in pregnancy: how, when and where to do
tuasaude.com/exercicios-de-kegel-na-gravidez
How to prepare
To prepare for perineal massage, it is recommended that the pregnant woman be relaxed, such as after bath, for example.
In addition, it is important that nails are short to avoid cuts or injuries in the vagina.
Before performing the perineal massage, your hands should be washed with water and mild soap using a brush to clean right under the nails.
Which oil use?
To do perineal massage, sweet almond oil or vegetable oils that have no perfume can be used. Vaseline or synthetic oils should be avoided.
Another alternative is to use water -based lubricants who are, especially important if the woman has some kind of allergy to oils.
How to do perineal massage
The step by step to do the perineal massage is:
- Sit comfortably, with the knees bent and pillows to support the back;
- Support each knee with a pillow to help the inner thigh muscles relax;
- Apply the lubricant or oil to the index finger and the dedsions, and also in the perineum region and vagina entrance;
- Start massaging the vaginal canal entrance for about 30 seconds, with smooth circular movements in the form of U;
- Introduce half of the 2 thumbs or the indicator (whatever) at the vaginal channel input;
- Press the dedões down towards the anus until it feels a slight burning, bite or tingling;
- Keep this position for 1 minute and repeat 2 to 3 times;
- Press the fabric to the sides, also maintaining 1 minute of stretch.
At the end of the perineal massage, your hands should be washed again and perform the intimate hygiene to remove excess oil or lubricant.
The ideal is to perform perineal massage every day for a progressive stretching of the perineal muscles from the 34th week of gestation, which can greatly facilitate the birth of the baby by vaginal birth.
How to Massage With Epi-Nos
The epi-nine is a small equipment, which works similarly to the device that measures the pressure and consists of a silicone balloon that should be introduced into the vagina and that should be manually inflated by the woman.
Thus, the woman has full control of how much the balloon can fill inside the vaginal canal, stretching muscle tissues, mucosa and skin.
To use the epi-nine, lubricant must be placed at the entrance of the vagina and also in the inflatable epi-nine silicone balloon.
Then it is necessary to inflate only enough to get it able to enter the vagina and after accommodating the balloon should be inflamed again so that it can expand and lengthen the perineal muscles and the internal vaginal mucosa.
This equipment can be used 1 to 2 times a day.
Who should not do
Perineal massage is contraindicated in the following situations:
- Before 34 weeks of gestation;
- Vaginal candidiasis, genital herpes or any other active vaginal infection;
- Disruption of the amniotic bag;
- PLACENTA PREVIOUS;
- High blood pressure in pregnancy or preeclampsia.
In addition, pelvic massage should not be done in pregnant women who have made uterine cerclage or who have vaginal bleeding during the second half of the pregnancy.
Perineal massage should not be done if advised against by the obstetrician.
Source: www.tuasaude.com
