Concentrate on relaxing your muscles. This is a good time to practice slow, deep breathing techniques. Perineal massage is a technique which can be used during pregnancy to help to stretch the perineum so there is less risk of tears when the baby is born, especially with a first birth. Perineal massage also helps to stretch the skin and prepare you for the sensations of burning, stinging and stretching, which can happen when the baby’s head is being born. As you or your partner perform the massage, apply steady pressure downwards towards your bottom until you feel a tingling sensation. This will help you recognise the feeling that you will have when your baby’s head begins to come out of your vagina (crowning).

According to Treaster, when breathing properly, your pelvic floor will naturally lengthen on inhale and shorten on exhale. Think about lengthening your pelvic floor with each inhale to help prepare your perineum for stretching. Step-By-Step: How to do a Perineal Massage I often hear expecting moms ask, “How am I supposed to reach to do this myself?!” But I promise it’s possible! Join 330,064 entrepreneurs, innovators and CEOs who rely on our weekly trend report to stay ahead of the crowd. Fit it into your daily or weekly routine, for example during or after a bath or shower. This is a good time because blood vessels in the area are already dilated, making the perineum softer and more comfortable to massage. You will also be more relaxed.No liability is assumed. The reader is considered responsible for your choices, actions, and results undertaken after reading work on Undefining Motherhood. Pelvic wands or crystal wands are flexible and come in various sizes, shapes, and lengths. Use them to massage the perineum or to dilate the opening during childbirth. Instead, expect perineal massage to be uncomfortable, including a burning sensation that will help prepare your body for the “ring of fire” many parents describe feeling when baby’s head crowns during delivery. Put some oil on your perineum and the lower part of your vaginal opening. This helps to make the massage more comfortable. 4. Relax and start the massage Perineal stretching and perineal massage are the same thing, referring to the stretching of the tissue and muscles in your perineum. Careful perineal stretching during the last 3-4 weeks of pregnancy can decrease your risk of severe tearing during labor, according to the American Pregnancy Association. How to do Perineal Massage

Don’t get bent out of shape if you don’t reach orgasm the first few times you try perineum stimulation. According to Dr. Thomas, perineum play is about the journey—not the destination. “Not everyone can achieve orgasm through perineal stimulation alone, and most people need simultaneous stimulation of the penis to orgasm,” he explains. “But it’s so much fun to try.” Historically, an episiotomy, in which a doctor cuts the perineum to assist in labor, was used to prevent tearing. This practice has become less common as research now shows that episiotomies don’t prevent tearing or improve healing. How does perineal massage help prevent tearing? adapted, stored and/or distributed in any form or by any means without the prior written permission of Healthdirect In a culture where most people are Type A or are wanting more control of their destiny, [perineum stimulation] is a great way to realign with what is important,” Dr. Goldstein says. “You deserve this pleasure.”You might want to start off doing the perineal massage yourself. Then as you get nearer to the due date, if you feel comfortable doing so you could ask your partner to do it. Other options include massage while in the bath, while standing with one leg on a stool in the shower (switch legs), or possibly while sitting on the toilet. It’s up to you, but make sure whatever area you choose is clean, private, and that you’re safe from falls. Step 3: Start the massage Perineal massage is generally safe. However, there are some conditions where it is not recommended. You should not massage your perineum if you have a low-lying placenta ( placenta praevia).