At the Coral Springs, Florida, practice of Dr. Alan B. Patterson, our seasoned team provides comprehensive pregnancy and delivery care tailored to your unique needs.
As your due date approaches, it’s natural to explore strategies that help you feel more prepared for childbirth. With the right preparation, you can minimize discomfort during your labor, delivery, and recovery.
One helpful care strategy that doesn’t get nearly enough attention is perineal massage.
This gentle stretching technique targets the area of tissue between your vaginal opening and anus (perineum), and may reduce your chances of tearing or needing an episiotomy during childbirth. Let’s take a closer look at the benefits of perineal massage.
The perineum is the tissue located between your vaginal opening and anus. During a vaginal delivery, this area needs to stretch to accommodate your baby’s head. If the tissue lacks flexibility, it can tear or require surgical repair.
Some tears are minor, but deeper ones may involve longer recovery and more discomfort. That’s why supporting this tissue before labor begins can make a big difference.
Most women start perineal massage around the 34th or 35th week of pregnancy. Each session should last around five minutes, and can be done a few times a week until you go into labor.
Using clean hands and a natural lubricant, such as vitamin E oil or a water-based gel, gently insert both thumbs about one inch inside the vaginal opening. From there, apply steady downward and outward pressure to stretch the area in a U-shaped motion.
You should feel a slight pulling or tingling sensation, but no pain; you should stop the massage if it becomes uncomfortable.
In addition to massage, there are other ways to support perineal health before and during delivery. Staying well hydrated, practicing pelvic floor exercises (like Kegels), and using warm compresses during labor can also help improve circulation and elasticity in the perineal area.
Some birthing positions, like side-lying or hands-and-knees, may place less strain on the perineum than the traditional semi-reclined position. Dr. Patterson can discuss birth preferences with you ahead of time and help you feel more prepared with a strategy that fits your needs and goals. It is also important to note that Dr Patterson, HIMSELF always is there for the pushing part of the labor, UNLIKE many other OB health care providers who let the labor room nurse push with their patients, so Dr Patterson is there the entire time and will be massaging your perineum with lubrication while you push, and it is a total team effort, you the patient, your labor room nurse or nurses and Dr Patterson all working together to help you achieve a vaginal delivery!
Perineal massage is often recommended for first-time mothers as well as anyone concerned about tearing during delivery. It may also benefit those with scar tissue from previous births or surgeries.
However, it isn’t suitable for everyone. If you have a high-risk pregnancy, vaginal infections, or conditions like placenta previa, consult Dr. Patterson before trying this technique. Your safety always comes first.
Perineal massage in the final weeks of pregnancy can decrease the likelihood of tearing, according to a systematic review and meta-analysis of current studies.
It may also lead to improved postpartum comfort, especially when it comes to resuming physical intimacy. Perineal massage is a low-risk, potentially high-reward step that can fit easily into your weekly routine.
Perineal massage is one of several proactive steps you can take to prepare your body for labor and delivery. It supports tissue elasticity, helps you get more familiar with your body, and may promote a more positive birthing experience.
If you’re looking for personalized ways to prepare for labor and postpartum recovery, Dr. Patterson and our team are here to support optimal comfort and confidence during childbirth. Contact us at our Coral Springs, Florida, office to schedule your prenatal visit today. Because remember, Dr Patterson is one of the very few OBGYNs who are still in solo practice, so he will be there to deliver your baby!
