Your perineum is the area between your vagina and anus (back passage). 9 out of 10 first-time mothers have a tear, graze or episiotomy (cut) during child-birth. There are ways of helping reduce the risk of this happening or reducing the risk of having a serious tear.
Perineal massage in pregnancy aims to gradually soften and stretch the vagina and area around it in preparation for birth. Research studies have found that perineal massage from 34 weeks of pregnancy can reduce the chance of your vagina tearing and also reduce the need for forceps or ventouse (suction cup) to help with the birth your baby.
Perineal massage is especially recommended for women and people who are:
Having their first baby,
Over 30 years old
Have had an episiotomy (cut to the perineum) before.
Do not perform perineal massage:
before 34 weeks pregnant
If you have vaginal thrush, herpes or any other vaginal infection
If you think your waters have broken
This leaflet describes how you can reduce the risk of needing stitches after your baby is born and includes further details on how to perform perineal massage.
