how do u massage the perineum?

[shaunzy]

I know this is an odd thing to ask about but i was reading in a pregnancy magazine that if u start massaging the perineum (area between the vagina and anus) using vegetable oil for about 10mins a day, at 35weeks + helps it stretch during delivery so that a tear is avoided (which i obviously dont want a tear if i can help it lol)

Just wondered if any1 has tried this or knows about it and could tell me exactly what im suppost to be doing as doesnt explain much. I dont really fancy asking my midwife about this lol

[puddicat]

Are you having a laugh!!

[craft1948]

well puddi it made me laugh.......

[carrot99]

could you still reach it at 35 weeks - I think you'll need help or something long!

[sn�gs]

Just choose the '10 minute' window carefully... at the dining table or in the queue at Tesco is a bad move...

[natalie_1982]

I heard that too, except it was to use wheatgerm oil not vegetable oil. And I never tried it.

I do remember reading that you can also help to prevent tearing by inserting your fingers and stretching yourself that way. I never tried that either.

I had an episiotomy because I had forceps, so will never know if I would have torn or not anyway.

In all honesty, in my opinion, genetically you are either prone to having stretchy skin or not. In the same way some of us get stretch marks and some don't.

[B00]

Like Carrot, I'd be very surpised if you can reach it so far into your pregnancy?

Anyhoo- as for how you do it, I shouldn't imagine it's rocket science, slap some oil on your fingers and errrrr rub away (crikey, that doesnt sound good!) Is it really supposed to work? Or is ot one of those old wives tales that you hear about?

I don't see a problem asking your midwife either, believe me she'll have heard and definately seen it all before.

[ummmm]

What have you got to lose?

[sqad617]

shaunzy.....if you are doing it for erotic reasons then fine, massage away, but a tear will depend upon the diameter and postion of the presenting part, usually the head.

Good luck on either reasons. LOL

[redcrx]

all you need to know is here http://www.babyworld.co.uk/information/birth/a ssisted_delivery/perineal_massage.asp

but it really does depend on whether you can reach lol

[reefgal]

try this link
http://www.treehuggermums.co.uk/articles/pregn ancy/article.php?article=20

[puddicat]

knobby arse the face of toby jugs,still seeing my fella, educated and a decent man, now i will spell it for you just in case you might need that for future reference, e d u c a t e d though i have a sneaky feeling you will not have need!!!

[puddicat]

sorry shaunzy!!

[B00]

I'm sorry puddicat, but what??

[puddicat]

boo i was apologising for having to send toby a retort!!!

[B00]

Ahhh nevermind- saw knobby's reply and get why you answered as you did.

Guess i just skimmed knobby's answer before as nonsense and it didnt sink it he'd posted owt.

[wolf63]

Reading this has made me realise that I am glad that I never had bipedal children.

I am happy with my cats.

Good luck.

[sqad617]

wolf63.....did you massage your perineum before you had your cats?

[puddicat]

No one has been at work toby, since the early hours and not spending my life using ones notebook sad !!!