Many mothers are naturally concerned with the probability of tearing or needing an episiotomy during delivery, and this worry can work against someone throughout labor.
Perineal Massage Basics
A perineal massage before birth can feel empowering to a woman when it comes to nurturing and getting to know their body.
During this wonderful period, massage may help both the mother and the infant. Massage should not simply be a luxury during pregnancy; it should be treated as a necessity. There is so much change going on at this period, both physically and mentally.
A mother may physically get in touch with her shifting shape and grasp her body’s capabilities through massage, making the thought of labor a bit less frightening.
Enhancing The Body’s Elasticity
The hormones progesterone and relaxin naturally soften and relax connective tissues such as ligaments to promote stretching, notably in the pelvic region, during pregnancy. Perineum massage is a treatment that supports the body’s natural processes by increasing the flexibility of the perineum in preparation for delivery thus aiding to prevent tearing in childbirth.
It is a treatment that enhances the flexibility of the perineum for birth by increasing blood flow to the region. Some women like to massage their perineum independently, while others find it more convenient to enlist the assistance of their spouse. Massage increases the capacity of the perineum to stretch more readily and painlessly during delivery.
What Are the Benefits of Massaging the Perineum?
This region is normally elastic – without it, women wouldn’t be able to give birth – but it can break during labor, especially if the delivery is rapid. Massage of the perineum relaxes the cellular structure and keeps the connective tissues flexible and elastic, which is the best protection against tearing.
Preparation for a Perineal Massage
After establishing the significance of a perineum massage which is to help prevent tearing in childbirth, the next reasonable concern would be when to begin. To familiarize oneself with this area of the body, one can use perineal massage oil and softly massage it at any point throughout pregnancy. It is recommended to start intensive perineal massage about thirty-four weeks into pregnancy.
When to Begin
If someone hasn’t begun yet and is approaching their due date, they should begin as soon as possible. Begin with a few minutes at a time and work your way up to 10 minutes three to four times a week. A perineal massage before birth can also aid in muscle toning following childbirth.
How to Prepare
An ideal moment to start would be after a soothing bath or warm shower because blood vessels in the region are dilated, and the perineum is softer and more relaxing to touch.
Before you begin, it’s a good idea to empty the bowels and bladder. Sit or recline back in a comfortable position in a peaceful, pleasant area. Some ladies like to sleep on their sides or be propped up or to have their legs supported by pillows.
Hygiene requirements should also be adhered to. Hands should be completely washed and nails should be kept short. This helps reduce the risk of bacterial and yeast infections. Short nails prevent this delicate region from being cut by accident, causing unwanted complications.
Ideal Oils to be used in a Perineal Massage
Perineum massage can be done using several oils. The fundamental objective of utilizing oil is to lubricate and reduce friction. It is up to the user to decide which type to use based on their preferences and the availability and affordability of the oils.
Sweet Almond Oil
The mildness and nourishing properties of sweet almond oil make the skin elastic and flexible. This delicate oil is well-known for its ability to agree with all skin types.
Olive Oil
Extra virgin olive oil can help the perineum by preventing the delicate skin of pregnant women from breaking. It may be massaged straight into the skin, but it’s also used as a foundation for other essential oils.
Massage with olive oil relieves puffiness and pain. The most notable benefit of perineal massage with olive oil is that it reduces vaginal tears during birth.
Grapeseed Oil
Grapeseed oil is a light, high-antioxidant oil obtained from grape seeds. This wonderful skin hydrator penetrates thoroughly into the skin, neutralizing the free radicals that our skin encounters daily. Grape seed oil is high in essential fatty acids, which are vital for radiant, moisturized skin.
Coconut Oil
Coconut oil has a great capacity for holding moisture. This is what keeps the skin from drying up and breaking when applied to it, resulting in a large increase in skin hydration and water content. As a result, it functions as a great moisturizer for your skin. It relieves irritation and dryness by softening and relaxing the skin. A fantastic skin nutrient that gives your skin all the energy it needs to recover and maintain itself.
Rose Oil
The pleasant and fragrant perfume of rose oil uplifts and stimulates the intellect. The procedure of acquiring rose essential oil is a two-step process that is quite expensive when compared to obtaining the absolute. Rose oil has long been used to treat women’s issues and the mood swings that come with it. It also restores moisture balance in all skin types, whether dry or irritated.
Wheatgerm Oil
Wheatgerm Oil is high in Vitamin E and helps to repair and nourish the skin. Protein, oleic and linoleic essential fatty acids, vitamin B complex, iron, and magnesium are all found in wheat germ oil.
Oleic and linoleic acids are especially relaxing and conditioning for the skin and hair. Vitamin E, a potent antioxidant, is abundant in the oil, which aids in skincare. It has also been shown in studies to reduce skin roughness and dryness when applied topically.
Personal lubricants from the user’s favorite brand are also a wonderful option because they dissolve in water and are typically skin-friendly.
Conclusion
Antenatal perineal massage goes a long way to ease the mind of an expectant mother. With support especially from their partners, this process can go a whole lot easier especially as the mother approaches the due date – at which point performing the massage may prove difficult.
This will increase their confidence in natural vaginal birth and consequently, they will be more relaxed during delivery.