To prepare your body for the birth of a child without injuries and ruptures, isn't this what every expectant mother dreams of? It turns out that there is a procedure that can protect you during childbirth from unpleasant and painful tears in the intimate area. This is an intimate perineal massage before childbirth, which is no longer embarrassing to talk about to pregnant women and their gynecologists, and the industry has developed a special intimate oil for pregnant women, which is designed specifically to massage the perineum during pregnancy.
But first things first.
Nature has created a woman's body ideally suited for the birth of a child. We are designed for this, to safely bear children and give birth to new generations. And if so, then? Why is the birth of a baby associated with pain and blood?
The fact is that reason is superimposed on nature and instincts, we are smart, and this is our problem. A woman knows that childbirth can be very painful, and this prevents her from relaxing and enjoying this, in general, a natural process. And if you can’t relax, then there is a risk of breaks. The uterus is so arranged, it will contract as long as it is capable of, or the child will be born, or there will be a rupture of the uterus, no matter how you resist and do not pinch. Fortunately, the muscles and the perineal region in general are weaker than the powerful muscles of the uterus, and childbirth ends as it should, even if the woman in labor does her best to prevent the baby from being born. True, if the muscles of the perineum do not relax, it will end with ruptures to one degree or another.
Perineal massage during pregnancy not only makes the skin and muscles in the intimate area elastic, they stretch perfectly by nature, but teach the expectant mother to relax properly and not interfere with pressure.
Perineal massage for pregnant women has the same contraindications as: you can not do it if you have,. In addition, it should not be done if there is an exacerbation of thrush or another inflammatory process in the vagina, and you should not start before 12-16 weeks of pregnancy, yet at this time the pregnancy is vulnerable, and there is a high chance that by the end of pregnancy you will get so tired of this activity, that you will throw it at the most necessary moment, when it is desirable to do massage daily.
How to massage the perineum
Perineal massage during pregnancy can be started at any time, and it doesn’t matter if you have the first childbirth or the second. With repeated births, it is often even more important if the first ones were complicated by breaks. Ruptures leave a scar in the perineal region, which is usually poorly extensible, and bad memories for the expectant mother. It is known that with repeated births, if the first birth was with ruptures or perineotomy, a repeated rupture often occurs - in the same place. But it can be avoided, perineal massage for childbirth helps to make the scar more elastic, and the pregnant woman passes this expectation of a mandatory second rupture.
Perineal massage during pregnancy is worth starting to do. In the early stages of pregnancy, it is enough to do it only once a week, with an increase in the period up to 32 weeks, repeat it 2 times a week, in the last weeks it is useful if it is daily. If you already have a long term and childbirth is very soon, and you have not done massage before, start with twice a week, then do it every other day, and then do it daily until the very birth.
Massage of the perineum from gaps is a deeply intimate, family thing, and it would be best to involve your husband in this matter. It is not only difficult to do it on your own, but also not very effective, it will not give you the right sensations, it is more correct if you are helped.
Be sure to use oil to massage the perineum, it will make the procedure much more enjoyable. Now in pharmacies you can buy weleda perineal massage oil with rose and sage extracts, designed specifically for pregnant women, but you can get by with olive and even just vegetable oil.
Before the procedure, you must thoroughly wash your hands - the female vagina during pregnancy is vulnerable to infections, and our task is to help and not harm. It is best to do massage in the evening, taking a shower or a relaxing warm bath. Before going to bed, in the calm familiar atmosphere of your bedroom, it will be easy for you to feel this procedure and get great pleasure from it.
Oil should be lubricated with large and small labia, the entrance to the vagina. At the same time, oil is poured onto the hand, and fingers are not dipped into it - this way it will remain clean in the container.
Vaginal massage during pregnancy is not needed - we work only with the perineum, the vagina itself is extremely rarely injured, it is a very easily extensible organ. This means that deep penetration does not make sense, it is enough to put 2 fingers into the vagina just a couple of centimeters, to feel the muscle ring with them.
The husband should press his fingers on the back wall of the vagina, the pressure is increased slowly, shaking, feeling how the muscles of the perineum relax and give in, towards the rectum. A woman at this moment should try to relax as much as possible, with the correct massage, a tingling sensation and a feeling of tension in the perineum appear.
The pressure should be continued for 2-3 minutes, then released, the exercise is repeated for 10-15 minutes. Every day you will be able to stretch the perineum more and more until discomfort appears, and by the time of childbirth you will be able to completely relax and not perceive this pressure at all, do not resist it.
When during childbirth your baby will move towards the exit, and his head will put pressure on the muscles of the perineum, you will not experience any new and frightening sensations, you will be able to relax and help the baby be born easily.
The perineal massage ends with re-lubrication of the labia with oil, massage of the labia minora with sipping, they can also be easily injured in childbirth and it is necessary to pay a little attention to them when massaging the perineum of a pregnant woman.
Happy childbirth to you without breaks.
Uncommon occurrences during childbirth. Damage to the external genital organs of a woman receives due to the large load that the muscles and tissues experience when the child passes through the birth canal.
To avoid injuries and incisions of the perineum during delivery, it is recommended to do a special massage using oils throughout pregnancy and especially in the last trimester.
Causes of perineal rupture during childbirth
The appearance of ruptures of the external and internal female genital organs at the birth of a child occurs when the assistance provided to the woman in labor is incorrect, the movements of the woman giving birth are incorrect (incorrect or early attempts).
Also, the frequency of the use of episiotomy and the appearance of perineal injuries are affected by heredity, the constitutional features of the structure of a woman, the size and weight of the fetus, its presentation, tissue elasticity.
It has been proven that primiparas have a much higher percentage of ruptures. Perineal massage is an excellent prevention. It can be performed at any time, taking into account the peculiarities of the course of pregnancy and contraindications.
Benefits of perineum massage
Perineum massage for pregnant women is very useful. It improves blood circulation in the tissues, making them more supple and elastic, prepares them for proper relaxation during childbirth, and reduces the likelihood of a woman in labor undergoing a procedure such as an episiotomy (perineal incision). Repeatedly giving birth, perineal massage will help to avoid rupture of scars and sutures obtained in the first birth.
Perineal massage rules
To achieve good results and make the tissues of the perineum elastic and pliable, you need to follow a number of simple rules:
- perineal massage should be carried out regularly without gaps;
- before the procedure, it is desirable to empty the bladder and intestines;
- it is also recommended to take a warm bath or shower before perineal massage to soften the tissues of the penis;
- do not forget to cut your nails and wash your hands thoroughly before the session;
- only sterile or fire-calcined oil can be used;
What kind of oil can be used to massage the perineum
For perineal massage, you can use various oils purchased at a pharmacy (sterile). To date, their range is quite wide, and at a cost they are available to everyone. You can use:
- rose oil;
- chamomile oil;
- calendula oil;
- olive oil;
- germinated wheat oil;
- pre-boiled sunflower oil.
The use of castor oil is not allowed, as it stimulates the contractile activity of the uterus. Oil for perineal massage before childbirth can be prepared independently. To do this, take St. John's wort and ordinary vegetable oil.
Put St. John's wort in a one-liter glass jar with a lid, pour in oil so that the herb is under it, and heat in a water bath for 20 minutes. When the oil warms up, remove it from the stove, cover with a lid and put it away for 7 days in a dark place. After a week, the oil can be used for massage.
Contraindications for perineal massage
Despite the obvious benefits, perineal massage to prepare for childbirth, there are certain contraindications. The first is infectious and inflammatory diseases of the genital organs (colpitis caused by bacvaginosis or opportunistic microflora).
First you need to cure the inflammation and only then, with a good analysis, start a massage course. Otherwise, it will do more harm than good, because massage will contribute to the spread of infection into the uterus, which is fraught with pregnancy complications.
It is impossible to massage the perineum with the threat of termination of pregnancy,. It is also not recommended to massage the perineum at high temperatures and skin diseases that have spread to the vagina.
How long can you do perineal massage
In principle, you can start massage from the 2nd trimester of pregnancy, the main thing is to observe the regularity of its implementation. For a short period, it is recommended to massage the perineum once a week, from 28 weeks - once every 5-7 days, from 32 weeks - once every 3-5 days, starting from 36 weeks, perineal massage is done every other day.
By the end of pregnancy, from the 38th week, you can massage the perineum every day. The main thing is that the perineal massage does not cause you discomfort and discomfort. If you have any questions or doubts about this procedure, please consult your gynecologist.
Perineum massage technique
It is better to carry out the perineal massage procedure before going to bed, after a warm shower, when you are as relaxed as possible. You can do it yourself, you can ask your husband for help, especially in the later stages, when a big belly interferes with self-massage and does not allow you to relax properly.
The best position for perineal massage is lying on your back with a small pillow under your buttocks or half-sitting with your foot on the edge of a chair. At first, you may find it easier to use a mirror so that you can see your vagina in front of you.
Before massage, pour oil from the container on your fingers. It is not recommended to dip them every time, so as not to contaminate the oil and avoid infection in the future. Let's get to the massage.
Anoint the skin of the perineum and vagina with oil, then stick your index finger inward a few centimeters and make pressure on the back wall of the vagina and to the sides of the movement, as if you are stretching it.
Continue this movement for five to seven minutes until you feel a stretch and a slight tingle. Hold your finger like this for a minute and then release. Repeat after a while.
After that, begin rhythmic movements in the vagina, alternately accelerating and then slowing them down. After a while, move to the beginning of the perineum (towards the anus and back), continuing the same movements for three minutes.
Your movements should be gentle, but with a little pressure. For women who are actively involved in sports, manipulations may be slightly more intense.
Exercises to prevent tears during childbirth
In addition to massaging the perineum to prevent tears during childbirth, it is recommended to exercise the muscles of the vagina to make them more elastic. We are offering to you some exercises to help you with this:
1. Compression
Tighten your perineal muscles as much as possible, slowly counting to three, then relax. While exercising, gradually increase the time of muscle contraction to 15-20 or more seconds at a time. Repeat the exercise three times a day for ten compressions.
2. Abbreviations
Tighten and relax the muscles of the vagina as intensely as possible. The sooner you do this, the better. Do the exercise at least three times a day.
3. Ejection
Push lightly, as if you are trying to go to the toilet "in a big way." Repeat several times throughout the day for a couple of sets.
Massage of the perineum before childbirth will avoid multiple ruptures of soft tissues. Perineum massage with oil can be performed both independently and with the help of another person.
Perineal massage before childbirth is no less important than all other preventive measures and techniques. The fact is that during the birth process, complicated by the large size of the fetus, vaginal ruptures are possible.
Perineal massage is needed in order to minimize the damage caused to the female body by childbirth. It often happens that young mothers are completely absorbed in caring for their baby, and at the same time they don’t think about their body and health in general. Massage of the perineum with oil avoids many unpleasant health consequences, which can also affect the appearance of a woman.
So, very often during childbirth, multiple ruptures of the soft tissues of the perineum occur, which leave behind unaesthetic scars. They can also remain after an episiotomy, which is an operation to cut the perineum when there is a threat of rupture.
In order to avoid all this, you can carry out a special massage, which allows you to prepare the body for childbirth. It should be remembered that the oil for perineal massage must be sterile, and not bought in the first available store and not at all intended for such a delicate matter.
Everyone knows that the impact of massage on the body cannot be overestimated, since it helps to normalize the exchange of fluids, blood circulation and has a beneficial effect on all systems of internal organs. In addition, during massage, the nervous system calms down, and the emotional state also comes into balance, which is very necessary for all expectant mothers.
Doctors say that such a massage avoids many problems even with a complicated birth process, and therefore is one of the most important elements in preparing for such an important event as childbirth.
In order to perform a quality massage, you should learn more about what the perineum is. Following medical terminology, the perineum is the soft muscle tissue located at the bottom of the pelvic bones. This area is located between the anus and the vagina.
The birth process produces a colossal load on the perineum, the tissues of which are not particularly durable. The fetal head, which sinks down to the bottom of the pelvis before birth, is also capable of stretching these muscles.
The woman in labor herself should push as best as possible so that the child passes through the birth canal as soon as possible; at the same time, again, the perineum experiences strong pressure. If a woman pushes too hard, or she is given unqualified assistance, this can lead to numerous tears in the soft tissues of the vagina, which were not prepared for such a load.
In some cases, surgical dissection of the perineum, that is, episiotomy, is the only possible way out, since this operation avoids serious ruptures of the second and third degrees, which are fraught with large blood loss and other unpleasant phenomena. If the child's head is very large, and the position of the fetus is transverse, then this may also be a reason for surgical intervention.
The possibility of ruptures and the need for an episiotomy are also created by some other factors, including the addition of the expectant mother and the elasticity of the soft tissues of the perineum. So, in women who give birth for the first time, these tissues are quite rigid and unyielding, and therefore the need for massage increases many times over. A massage course will help to significantly improve elasticity, but in order to conduct it properly, you should study its technique and features in more detail.
There are several rules that will help to conduct the given course correctly, and the effect increases by an order of magnitude if they are constantly followed.
The first thing to remember is that massage is not a one-time procedure, but an integral course that must be carried out constantly. Do not undergo the procedure immediately after eating; and in general, before such a massage it would be good to have an empty bladder and intestines. A bath helps to multiply the effectiveness of each massage procedure.
But you should not sit in it for a very long time, and the water should be warm and pleasant enough to relax both muscles and soft tissues. It is important to ensure that the person performing the massage does not scratch the nails and cut them short enough, and the hands themselves are thoroughly washed. Oil for massage procedures should be bought sterile, and the aroma should be chosen according to personal preferences from those available at the pharmacy.
Some advise to also use oil that has been pre-calcined, but this approach will save quite a bit of money, but it takes a lot of effort. In addition, very often, due to calcination and careless handling of hot oil, which also cools for a long time, you can get a lot of burns.
If the skin of the expectant mother is very sensitive or there are irritations on the mucous membranes, then it is best to use medical sterile gloves for massage.
The course of massage procedures can be easily performed on your own, and those who wish can be attracted to this. Among the possible candidates for the place of a massage therapist, preference should be given to a partner, as this allows you to achieve a state of maximum relaxation and peace.
As for self-massage, it is practically impossible in the last trimester, since a noticeably enlarged belly creates certain inconveniences. In addition, during self-massage it is impossible to relax, and this is very important for all expectant mothers.
A relaxed state during perineal massage gradually becomes a reflex and is brought to automatism, and during labor pains it also allows you to relax and not feel moral stress and physical tightness.
The best position for massage treatments is one in which the whole body relaxes. So, you can lie on your back and put a small pillow or blanket under it. You can also sit on the edge of a sofa, armchair or chair if another person is the massage therapist. during the first sessions. Especially if they are carried out on their own, you can use a mirror in order to better see the required area.
It is very important to apply a sufficiently large amount of oil from the container to the hand and fingers before performing the procedure. This is necessary so that repeated dipping of fingers into the bottle, which occurs constantly, does not lead to dirt entering the liquid, among which pathogenic microbes and various harmful microorganisms can find themselves. The skin itself on the perineum must be generously lubricated with oil, as well as the nearest area of the vaginal cavity.
One finger must be inserted into the vagina, but this should be done shallowly, no more than three to four centimeters. Pressure must be applied gently and gently, and only on the required areas. First of all, attention should be paid to the back area, while stretching it a little in different directions, until the woman has a pleasant tingling sensation.
You need to do this for one minute, and then stop the pressure. It is necessary to repeat the sequence of actions about five to seven times. Next, you should make finger movements towards the anus, the pace should be gradually slowed down and accelerated again; The run time is about three minutes. It is worth remembering that you should not press too hard, and the movements should be quite gentle and pleasant for the woman herself.
After the procedure has come to an end, you need to apply a heating pad with warm water to the perineum, which will increase the effect of the massage procedure and further relax the muscles and soft tissues.
Such a creepy and ugly sounding word "breaks" .... It's a shame that it is so closely and steadily associated in our society with the process of childbirth. It is somehow very strange that in the majestic creative event - the birth of a new life - we often see the danger of destruction in the first place.
But how else, if convincing stories are passed from mouth to mouth about the number and location of gaps, about the “joys” of stitching and processing, about the impossibility of walking and sitting normally, about sex that has turned from pleasure into a test ... But you never know what else you can hear. Even the enthusiastic “I gave birth without any breaks!” sounds like a miraculous deliverance, an exception that only confirms the rule... Eh!..
Giving birth without breaks is normal. The body of a woman is created and ideally adapted for the birth of children by Nature Itself. Endowing these tissues with such important, very important (without exaggeration!) powers - to bring a young person into the world - wise Nature, no doubt, created them perfectly adapted for this. Convincing confirmation of this is the entire (!) viviparous animal world, safely giving birth without breaks. It is a shame that man, the Crown of Creation, managed to become an exception... But it is in our power to return to the natural rule, to give birth without breaks, to give birth beautifully.
It is amazing how this tender bud, such a small and cozy house of love ecstasy, suddenly blossoms, opens its graceful petals, opening the way for the Miracle of birth, releasing a ripe fragrant berry into the world - the fruit of love - a baby. And, having released, it smoothly closes, expecting a new pleasure and life-giving. Beautiful and majestic.
Modern civilized life has not benefited natural mechanisms, this is so, alas. But that doesn't mean they are broken. This means that it has become a little more difficult for them to work. It is advisable to do something to help our tissues, and they, feeling our care, will definitely try, they will not let you down! So what can you do:
Gymnastics. It's great if we can overcome laziness and couch attraction :-) and find time for stretching exercises. They will be effective if you give them 10-15, or even 5 minutes a day, but it is important to practice daily, i.e. regularly. What are these exercises:
- standing sideways to the back of the chair, rest your hands on it and take your leg to the side as high as it is comfortable - 6-10 times for each leg.
- with the same emphasis, raise the leg bent at the knee to the tummy.
- with legs wide apart, slowly sit down and hold in this position for several seconds, you can spring. Get up slowly and relax. You can repeat 3-5 times.
- squat down, straighten one leg and set aside. Shift weight from one foot to another several times in a row. Arms outstretched forward will help maintain balance.
- "butterfly" - sit or lie on the floor, connect the heels and pull them to the perineum. Legs bent at the knees look like butterfly wings. Let's wave them like a butterfly, often, often.
If you have already tried these exercises, you will feel that the muscles of the inner thighs and perineum work in them. You can vary the exercises at your discretion, carefully listening to your feelings. The main criterion in choosing exercises and their duration is a feeling of comfort and pleasure.
Everyday poses. We are talking about positions in which you can do everyday activities and just relax, but which, at the same time, imperceptibly prepare our body for childbirth. Take them more often, alternating with each other:
- "tailor's pose" - in a sitting position, cross your legs in front of you
- "butterfly" - sitting, connect the heels and pull them to the crotch. You can not move your legs, just remaining in this position, but most likely the "wings" will start dancing on their own. It's great and won't stop us from watching TV, reading, or peeling potatoes.
- “on your heels” - kneel, tightly connecting them, and smoothly sit back on your heels
- "frog" - being in the position "on the heels", spread your legs and sit on the floor between the heels.
Choose a position that is comfortable for you and change position as soon as it becomes tiring.
Squatting! I will specially make a separate paragraph of this remarkable situation. It is remarkable in that while squatting, and especially during movement, all the muscles that will be involved in childbirth work. Enjoy!
- you can just squat, minding your own business
- you can (should!) wash the floor on your haunches! Such a daily activity will replace any gymnastics, not to mention the fact that mom and her Puzik will breathe clean, dust-free air.
- you can walk "in single file" - from the kitchen to the room :-). Why not?
Kegel exercises. These are exercises directly for the muscles of the perineum and vagina. It is much easier for trained tissues, accustomed to loads, to stretch well during childbirth and quickly return to their native size after them.
Kegels will also help us to avoid the “wonderful” hemorrhoids during pregnancy as much as possible and get rid of it very quickly after childbirth. Here are several levels of difficulty for these exercises:
- alternately compress and relax the muscles of the perineum. This exercise does not require special concentration, so it can be performed in almost any situation - no one sees :-)
- it will be a little more difficult if, holding the muscles, hold them in this position for 5-20 seconds, then gently relax
- "elevator" - we start a smooth ascent on the "elevator" - we squeeze the muscles a little bit (1st floor), hold for 3-5 seconds, continue to rise - we clamp a little harder (2nd floor), hold, etc. to our limit - 4-7 "floors". We go down in the same way in stages, lingering for a couple of seconds on each floor.
Let Kegel exercises become a daily practice, do them little by little, as soon as you remember.
Perineum massage. You need to do it every day (you can even 2 times a day), starting from 32-36 weeks and until the very birth. For this we need either homeopathic Arnica ointment (anti-traumatic effect), or cocoa butter, or any vegetable oil, as natural as possible and sterilized in a water bath. Massage is performed with clean hands, optimally after a bath or shower, at night.
External massage: With gentle massaging movements, the selected product is rubbed into the skin around the exit from the vagina, special attention to the piece of skin located between the vagina and the anus.
Internal massage: one or two fingers are inserted into the middle of the vagina, and, lubricating, stretch the tissues, as if making a "pocket".
The massage can last 5-10 minutes, or maybe longer if dad joins the preparation ;-). Massage should not cause discomfort.
Food helpers. After 7 months of pregnancy, salt should slowly but surely leave the mother's diet. The less salt in the body, the more elastic its tissues.
This does not mean that you need to switch to a salt-free diet - hardly anyone can stand it, but you can easily reduce the amount of salt. Products containing a lot of calcium (in particular, hard cheese and cottage cheese) are sent after salt - an excess of calcium leads to the fact that the baby's head becomes too hard and with small fontanelles. This does not allow her to shrink enough, passing the birth canal. Increases the likelihood of ruptures and other injuries. Listen to your body: most likely, the rejection of these and some other products will happen by itself. If you can’t refuse, don’t force yourself, trust your feelings.
Also, honey will help to increase the elasticity of tissues. If you drink a spoonful of honey on an empty stomach with 0.5-1 glass of warm water, then in addition it will contribute to better bowel function, and if you drink milk, green or chamomile tea with honey at night, it will be better to sleep.
In addition to these simple measures to prepare the perineum, it is important to learn how to breathe, relax and push properly during childbirth. These (and many other) wisdoms can be mastered in courses for pregnant women. You also need to listen to the midwife, who will tell you when to stop pushing. It makes sense to warn the doctor and midwife that you were preparing the perineum.
Preparation of the perineum (perineal massage) (according to the materials of the magazine 9 months)
Perineal massage will prepare you to properly relax in response to the pressure of the fetus passing through the birth canal. Relaxing the muscles of the pelvic floor is a very useful exercise in preparation for childbirth. In addition, massage increases the elasticity of the vagina and perineum, enhancing hormonal changes that reduce the stiffness of the connective tissues. Massage greatly reduces the chance of an episiotomy or major tears.
If you are interested in avoiding surgery, you should massage your perineum five to seven times a week for the last six weeks before delivery. Check with your doctor. Some doctors are not familiar with this type of massage because it is not very common. Many women and couples consider such a massage disgusting and do not do it. However, others believe that it is worth the trouble as it reduces the risk of tearing or cutting the perineum. There are women who even enjoy it, especially if you do it after or during relaxation exercises. If you have vaginitis, herpes, or any other infections, you should first be cured, since perineal massage can lead to an aggravation of the disease.
How is a perineum massage done?
The massage can be performed by you or your partner. At first, use a mirror to look at the perineum, so it will be easier for you to understand what to do. Your hands should be clean and your nails trimmed short. If you or your partner has sensitive skin, you may want to wear rubber gloves.
Sit comfortably in a semi-sitting position (if your partner is doing the massage) or stand with one foot on the edge of the tub or a chair (if you're doing the massage yourself).
Lubricate your fingers well with oil, pouring it from a bottle or water-based cream, squeezing it out of a tube. This method of applying a cream or oil is better than repeatedly dipping your fingers into the same liquid, which leads to contamination. It is sometimes recommended to use wheat germ oil with a high content of vitamin E, which is available in health food stores, but other vegetable oils or some kind of water-based lubricant can be used. Baby oil, mineral oil, industrial oil, and hand lotion are not suitable for this purpose, as they are believed to be much less well absorbed by the skin than vegetable oils or aqueous solutions.
Apply just enough oil or roll onto the skin of your perineum so that your fingers glide easily.
You can massage with your thumb. And your partner can do it with their index fingers (first with one hand, then both when you get used to it). Insert your fingers into the vagina (up to the second joint) and press on the pelvic floor muscles so that you can feel the tension of the muscles with your fingers. Then relax the muscles and move your finger into the vagina, then speeding up, then slowing down the rim of the movement, carefully moving to the perineum in the direction down to the anus. Massage should be about three minutes. This massage increases the elasticity of the vaginal tissue, the muscles that support the vagina, and the skin of the perineum. Then, for about one minute, massage the moistened skin of the perineum with your thumb and forefinger (thumb in - index out or vice versa). At first, the muscles of the vagina will be a little tense, but over time you will master the massage technique and the muscles will relax.
If you feel pressure or stretching, focus on relaxing the muscles. Since you feel comfortable during the massage, the slight increase in pressure that stretches the perineum is enough to tingle and burn. (The same sensations accompany the eruption of the baby's head during childbirth.)
If you have any questions, consult your doctor or women who know this type of massage.
Perineum massage (According to the magazine 9 months)
You have most likely already heard of perineal massage. It is done to prevent perineal tears during childbirth. The tissues of the perineum experience the maximum load during the eruption of the head. When the baby's head stands on a large perimeter (the size of the baby's head), the mother's perineum is most at risk of rupture. For multiparous women who underwent an episiotomy during their first birth, such a massage is most relevant - the old seam may crack, because the tissues have lost their elasticity.
You can start doing massage at any time. If the gestational age is not yet long, the frequency of massage once every 7-10 days is sufficient. Closer to childbirth - more often. From 28 weeks once every 5-7 days. From 32 weeks once every 3-5 days. From 36 weeks every other day, and from 38 weeks it is desirable to massage every day. If the pregnancy is already coming to an end - start doing massage every third day for a week, then every second day for a week, and then every day until delivery.
It is best to massage in the evening, after a warm shower or bath. You can do it yourself, but it is better to involve your husband. At least for the simple reason that a big belly gets in the way.
For massage you will need natural oil. Which? Rose, chamomile, calendula, castor, olive, almond, wheat. Plain sunflower oil is not recommended. I myself have used Weleda Calendula Oil with Vitamin E.
How to do the massage itself? Be sure to wash your hands with a brush. Lubricate the outside of the perineum and lips generously with oil. Then, shallowly insert a well-oiled finger or two into the vagina. 2-3 centimeters - no more. And begin to make pressing swaying movements on the back wall of the vagina (closest to the intestines) until you feel a feeling of tension and tingling. Hold a minute - let go. Repeat after a few seconds. And so for 5-7 minutes. Of course, it is much better if the massage is done by the husband. This is still good, because at this moment it is better for you to completely relax in response to the feeling of tension. Try to let go and ignore. Such relaxation training will bring relaxation to automaticity, and it will be very useful and helpful for childbirth as a reaction to contractions.
Then, from the outside, lubricate the crotch area with oil from the center to the thighs again. Just as important, lubricate the small lips with oil and gently pull and massage them. This is a common situation when small lips burst during childbirth, and it is better to try to give them elasticity in advance than to experience various kinds of difficulties later.
I found this on the Internet, maybe it will be useful for someone....
Perineal massage during pregnancy
Childbirth is a very important and crucial moment in a woman's life. And every woman wants the risk of complications not only for the child, but also for herself to be minimized. But often, when preparing for childbirth, women forget about their beloved, and think only about the baby. One of the unpleasant consequences after childbirth can be a scar after a rupture or episiotomy of the perineum. To avoid such "accidents", it is necessary to massage the perineum during pregnancy. Massage in itself has a beneficial effect on internal organs, improves blood circulation and normalizes the state of the nervous system. A perineal massage during pregnancy, in addition, is one of the main components in preparation for childbirth.
Crotch
The perineum is the muscles of the pelvic floor. The area of its location is between the vagina and the anus. During childbirth, during the period of attempts, the baby's head falls to the pelvic floor and stretches the muscles of the perineum. The woman pushes and helps herself push the baby out with these muscles. Therefore, the perineum experiences a tremendous load during childbirth, and any careless movement on the part of the woman in labor or improperly rendered assistance by the midwife can lead to ruptures. Also, the frequency of episiotomies and ruptures is affected by: hereditary predisposition, constitutional features, weight and presentation of the fetus, tissue elasticity (in nulliparous women, perineal tissues are unyielding). Massage of the perineum during pregnancy can reduce the chance of incisions and tears.
Perineal massage for pregnant women and the rules for its implementation
In order to achieve good elasticity of the perineum, you must follow a few rules:
massage should be performed regularly;
before the massage, empty the intestines and bladder;
it is useful to take a warm bath or shower before a massage session (it softens and relaxes the tissues of the perineum);
the hands of the massage therapist should be thoroughly washed, the nails should be cut short;
mandatory use of sterile or fire-calcined oil;
the use of sterile medical gloves if the skin and mucous membranes are hypersensitive.
Perineal massage for pregnant women: technique
Perineal massage can be carried out both by yourself and by involving your husband in this process. In the later stages of pregnancy, a large belly interferes with a woman, and self-massage does not allow achieving the maximum degree of relaxation, which is very important for future childbirth. Such relaxation becomes automatic and helps the woman in labor to relax during labor.
The optimal position during the massage: lying on your back, placing a small pillow under your lower back or half-sitting (if the husband conducts the massage), or placing one foot on the edge of a chair (bath). At first, during a self-massage session, it is convenient to use a mirror to see the perineal area.
Before starting the massage, it is necessary to pour plenty of oil on the fingers from the bottle (constant dipping of the fingers in a container with oil leads to its contamination and threatens with infection). You should also lubricate the skin of the perineum and the third of the vagina closest to the exit with oil. Then, gently, shallowly (3-4 cm), insert one finger (thumb or index finger) into the vagina and make pressing movements on the back wall of the vagina and to the sides, as if stretching it until a feeling of tension and tingling occurs. Hold in this position for 45-60 seconds and release. After, after a while, repeat. It is necessary to continue the movement for 5-7 minutes. Then you need to start rhythmic movements in the vagina, then accelerating, then slowing them down, followed by a transition to the perineum towards the anus and back for three minutes. The movements should be gentle and at the same time slightly pressing. After the massage procedure, you can apply a warm heating pad to the perineum for 30-60 minutes, this will soften the tissues and enhance the massage effect. If the massage is performed in primiparas or in women who are actively involved in sports (gymnastics, aerobics, dancing), then the massaging movements should be more intense.
What oils can be used for massage
Now in pharmacies there is a fairly wide selection of sterile oils. At a price they are available to every pregnant woman:
rose oil;
chamomile oil;
calendula oil;
olive oil;
germinated wheat oil;
you can use sunflower oil, after boiling it;
Do not use castor oil, it stimulates the contractile activity of the uterus.
Contraindications for massage
There are several restrictions when perineal massage and pregnancy are incompatible. Firstly, these are all infectious and inflammatory diseases of the vagina (bacterial vaginosis, thrush and other colpitis). First you need to treat inflammation, then massage. Otherwise, massage will not benefit, but harm, spreading the infection deep into the vagina, to the cervix and into the amniotic fluid. Secondly, the tendency to threaten abortion. Thirdly, in the presence of skin diseases that involved the perineum in the process, and with an increase in temperature.
Pregnancy terms and perineum massage
As noted above, perineal massage can be started at any time, the main thing is the regularity of its implementation:
with a short period of massage is carried out once every 7-10 days;
from 28 weeks massage is carried out once every 5-7 days;
from 32 weeks, massage should be done once every 3-5 days;
from the 36th week - every other day;
starting from the 38th week - daily.
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