Antenatal Perineal Massage

The perineum is the skin between your vagina and your back passage (bottom).

This leaflet is for women in the later stages of pregnancy.
Starting perineal massage from 34 weeks may lower the chance of getting a tear that needs stitches during a vaginal birth.

It may also help reduce pain in the perineal area after your baby is born.

Perineal massage is a way to gently stretch this area in the weeks before birth. It can help your body get ready for labour and may make it easier for the skin to stretch when your baby is born.

• It can make the skin between your vagina and bottom (the perineum) more stretchy
• It may lower the chance of needing a small cut (called an episiotomy) during birth
• If you’ve had a tear or cut before, it can help soften the scar tissue
• It helps you get used to the stretching feeling you may feel when your baby is being born
• It’s especially helpful if this is your first baby
• It may reduce the chance of a tear that needs stitches

Do not do perineal massage if you have any vaginal infections, such as genital herpes, genital warts, or thrush. 

• Take a warm bath before you start. This may help you relax and loosen the muscles around your perineum
• Comfortable position. You need to feel relaxed and comfortable for the massage. The best place to do the massage is in bed. Prop yourself up with pillows to support your back and bend your knees
• Use vitamin E oil, almond oil or olive oil
• With clean hands, hold your thumbs in the position shown for about 1 minute (diagram below). Press down towards the anus and to the sides of the vagina walls. Hold your thumbs in this position for about 1 minute. You will begin to feel a stretching sensation. Breathe deeply
• Gentle massage. Gently massage the lower half of your vagina using a U-shaped movement for 2-3 minutes. Repeat this 2-3 times

You can start doing perineal massage every day from 34 weeks of pregnancy.   It might take a couple of weeks before you notice the skin feeling more stretchy.

Video on active birth and reducing severe tears

Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists.  RCOG.org.uk

Perineal tears & episiotomies information

Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists.  RCOG.org.uk

If you have any questions or worries and would like more advice, please speak to your Community Midwife, or get in touch with one of the departments listed below

Labour Suite  -  01896 826897

Ward 16  -  01896 826016    (Antenatal/Postnatal ward)

Pregnancy Assessment Unit - 01896 826735