{"id":48035,"date":"2025-11-28T16:00:00","date_gmt":"2025-11-28T10:30:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/connect.healthkart.com\/?p=48035"},"modified":"2025-11-28T17:28:58","modified_gmt":"2025-11-28T11:58:58","slug":"perineal-massage-for-easier-and-safer-birth","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.healthkart.com\/connect\/perineal-massage\/","title":{"rendered":"Perineal Massage for Easier Labour: When and How to Start"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Childbirth is powerful, transformative, and yes, often unpredictable. But what if there was a gentle, natural way to prepare your body for that long-awaited moment? Perineal massage is one of those quietly effective practices that more and more moms-to-be are turning to. This simple technique helps soften and stretch the perineal tissues, potentially reducing tears, discomfort, and the need for interventions during delivery.<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In India, maternal health is still a big concern. Even though <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">maternal mortality has decreased<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, many women still face perineal trauma. Curious to know how a simple self-care routine like this can make labour easier and more comfortable? Let\u2019s find out more from this blog.<\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_81 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.healthkart.com\/connect\/perineal-massage\/#Perineal_Massage_What_Is_It_and_Why_Do_It\" >Perineal Massage: What Is It and Why Do It?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.healthkart.com\/connect\/perineal-massage\/#What_Does_the_Research_Say_About_Perineal_Massage\" >What Does the Research Say About Perineal Massage?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.healthkart.com\/connect\/perineal-massage\/#How_Can_Perineal_Massage_Help\" >How Can Perineal Massage Help?<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.healthkart.com\/connect\/perineal-massage\/#1_Lowers_Severe_Tears\" >1. Lowers Severe Tears<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.healthkart.com\/connect\/perineal-massage\/#2_Less_Pain\" >2. Less Pain<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/www.healthkart.com\/connect\/perineal-massage\/#3_Shorter_Labour_Second_Stage\" >3. Shorter Labour Second Stage<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/www.healthkart.com\/connect\/perineal-massage\/#4_Improved_Pelvic_Floor_Function\" >4. Improved Pelvic Floor Function<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/www.healthkart.com\/connect\/perineal-massage\/#How_to_Do_the_Perineal_Massage_Comfortably_and_Safely\" >How to Do the Perineal Massage? (Comfortably and Safely)<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/www.healthkart.com\/connect\/perineal-massage\/#Things_to_Be_Mindful_About\" >Things to Be Mindful About<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/www.healthkart.com\/connect\/perineal-massage\/#Conclusion\" >Conclusion<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/www.healthkart.com\/connect\/perineal-massage\/#Frequently_Asked_Questions_Related_to_Perineal_Massage\" >Frequently Asked Questions Related to Perineal Massage<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/www.healthkart.com\/connect\/perineal-massage\/#When_should_you_start_a_perineal_massage_during_pregnancy\" >When should you start a perineal massage during pregnancy?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/www.healthkart.com\/connect\/perineal-massage\/#How_much_does_perineal_massage_reduce_tearing\" >How much does perineal massage reduce tearing?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/www.healthkart.com\/connect\/perineal-massage\/#How_do_I_give_my_wife_a_perineal_massage\" >How do I give my wife a perineal massage?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-15\" href=\"https:\/\/www.healthkart.com\/connect\/perineal-massage\/#Can_perineal_massage_cause_damage\" >Can perineal massage cause damage?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-16\" href=\"https:\/\/www.healthkart.com\/connect\/perineal-massage\/#Do_doctors_recommend_perineal_massage\" >Do doctors recommend perineal massage?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Perineal_Massage_What_Is_It_and_Why_Do_It\"><\/span><b>Perineal Massage: What Is It and Why Do It?<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>The perineal massage is a gentle way of stretching the perineal muscle and skin, and it&#8217;s normally done by a pregnant woman herself (or her partner) in the weeks before going into labour. At times, the massage is also performed by a healthcare provider during the 2nd stage of labour. The primary objective of the perineal massage during pregnancy is to make the tissue a lot more elastic. That way, when the baby passes through, there is a low chance of deep tears.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-57919\" src=\"https:\/\/connect.healthkart.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/dyk-58-400x111.jpg\" alt=\"interesting fact about Perineal Massage\" width=\"728\" height=\"202\" srcset=\"https:\/\/connect.healthkart.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/dyk-58-400x111.jpg 400w, https:\/\/connect.healthkart.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/dyk-58-768x213.jpg 768w, https:\/\/connect.healthkart.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/dyk-58.jpg 900w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 728px) 100vw, 728px\" \/><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Does_the_Research_Say_About_Perineal_Massage\"><\/span><b>What Does the Research Say About Perineal Massage?<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In India, it has been reported that perineal trauma is pretty common. In several centres, the 2nd-degree perineal tears (that involve deeper layers) were seen in roughly <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/articles\/PMC4928554\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">1.6% of women<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">even <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">when an episiotomy was used. Apart from that, in another study, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ijrcog.org\/index.php\/ijrcog\/article\/download\/2151\/1877\/7450\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">around 15.34%<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> of women experienced perineal tears (lacerations, and 4.67% of them experienced anal sphincter tears, despite episiotomy. All these figures clearly show that even <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">with <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">episiotomy, tears are common, and perineal massage during pregnancy is a helpful tool in lowering severe trauma.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_Can_Perineal_Massage_Help\"><\/span><b>How Can Perineal Massage Help?<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Now that you know what is perineal massage, let&#8217;s understand its various advantages during childbirth:<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"1_Lowers_Severe_Tears\"><\/span><b>1. Lowers Severe Tears<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The antenatal perineal massage can <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">potentially <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">lower the chances of major perineal trauma greatly, especially the 3rd and 4th degree tears. <\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"2_Less_Pain\"><\/span><b>2. Less Pain<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Women who performed this particular massage <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/32399905\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">have reported<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> experiencing less perineal pain after giving birth.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"3_Shorter_Labour_Second_Stage\"><\/span><b>3. Shorter Labour Second Stage<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>The 2nd stage of labour (the time when the baby is pushing through) would be slightly shorter in women who receive perineal massage before birth.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"4_Improved_Pelvic_Floor_Function\"><\/span><b>4. Improved Pelvic Floor Function<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>The perineal massage for normal delivery conducted before and during the labour can improve the pelvic floor health after birth. In return, it can lower problems such as loose control or gas leakage.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_to_Do_the_Perineal_Massage_Comfortably_and_Safely\"><\/span><b>How to Do the Perineal Massage? (Comfortably and Safely)<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>When learning how to do perineal massage, you must keep in mind that you should begin the massage around 34 to 36 weeks of pregnancy. Here are the steps you should follow:<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-57917\" src=\"https:\/\/connect.healthkart.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Image-19-400x242.jpg\" alt=\"How to Do the Perineal Massage\" width=\"724\" height=\"438\" srcset=\"https:\/\/connect.healthkart.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Image-19-400x242.jpg 400w, https:\/\/connect.healthkart.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Image-19-768x464.jpg 768w, https:\/\/connect.healthkart.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Image-19.jpg 900w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 724px) 100vw, 724px\" \/><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Step 1:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Wash your hands properly and use a clean and gentle lubricant or oil.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Step 2:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Sit in a relaxed position, then gently insert your thumbs<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> into vagina <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">and press down and toward the sides to stretch the perineal tissues.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Step 3:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Make a \u201cU\u201d shaped movement, and stretch the lower section of the perineum.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Step 4:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Hold the stretch for about 1 to 2 minutes and then release.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Once you learn how to do perineal massage for normal delivery, you should do it several times each week. Here, consistency is important a lot more than the long session. During labour, a massage or gentle support during the pushing stage can help greatly. However, it should only be done with a birth partner or a trained provider.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Things_to_Be_Mindful_About\"><\/span><b>Things to Be Mindful About<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Apart from knowing the perineal massage meaning, there are certain things you should be careful of:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Be sure to consult the physician or a midwife before starting the massage, particularly if you have a fragile perineum, a previous tear, or a surgical procedure.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Reduce or stop the massage if it\u2019s too painful. A bit of discomfort is okay, but a sharp pain is not a good sign.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cleanliness matters a lot. You should use clean oil, clean hands and do it in a hygienic space.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The massage doesn\u2019t guarantee no tear; it\u2019s just a tool that can help lower the risk, but not eliminate it.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Conclusion\"><\/span><b>Conclusion<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Perineal massage is a proven and simple technique that helps support a healthier childbirth. With periodic and gentle practice and proper assistance, it can lower pain, tears and also help the perineum to stretch naturally. You should always speak to your care providers about when to start perineal massage, and it&#8217;s certainly worth considering if you want the labour journey to be smooth.<\/p>\n<style>#sp-ea-57921 .spcollapsing { height: 0; overflow: hidden; transition-property: height;transition-duration: 300ms;}.sp-easy-accordion-enabled .eap_section_title_57921, body .eap_section_title_57921 { color: #444; margin-bottom:  30px; }#sp-ea-57921.sp-easy-accordion>.sp-ea-single {margin-bottom: 10px; border: 1px solid #e2e2e2; }#sp-ea-57921.sp-easy-accordion>.sp-ea-single>.ea-header a {color: #444;}#sp-ea-57921.sp-easy-accordion>.sp-ea-single>.sp-collapse>.ea-body {background: #fff; color: #444;}#sp-ea-57921.sp-easy-accordion>.sp-ea-single {background: #eee;}#sp-ea-57921.sp-easy-accordion>.sp-ea-single>.ea-header a .ea-expand-icon { float: left; color: #444;font-size: 16px;}a.collapsed {\r\n    color: #212326 !important;\r\n}<\/style><h2 class=\"eap_section_title eap_section_title_57921\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Frequently_Asked_Questions_Related_to_Perineal_Massage\"><\/span><strong>Frequently Asked Questions Related to Perineal Massage<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2><div id=\"sp_easy_accordion-1764330943\"><div id=\"sp-ea-57921\" class=\"sp-ea-one sp-easy-accordion\" data-ea-active=\"ea-click\" data-ea-mode=\"vertical\" data-preloader=\"\" data-scroll-active-item=\"\" data-offset-to-scroll=\"0\"><div class=\"ea-card sp-ea-single\"><h3 class=\"ea-header\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"When_should_you_start_a_perineal_massage_during_pregnancy\"><\/span><a class=\"collapsed\" id=\"ea-header-579210\" role=\"button\" data-sptoggle=\"spcollapse\" data-sptarget=\"#collapse579210\" aria-controls=\"collapse579210\" href=\"#\" aria-expanded=\"false\" tabindex=\"0\"><i aria-hidden=\"true\" role=\"presentation\" class=\"ea-expand-icon eap-icon-ea-expand-plus\"><\/i> When should you start a perineal massage during pregnancy?<\/a><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3><div class=\"sp-collapse spcollapse spcollapse\" id=\"collapse579210\" data-parent=\"#sp-ea-57921\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"ea-header-579210\"> <div class=\"ea-body\"><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">As per experts' suggestion, one should start the massage around 34 to 36 weeks and typically do it once or twice weekly.<\/span><\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"ea-card sp-ea-single\"><h3 class=\"ea-header\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_much_does_perineal_massage_reduce_tearing\"><\/span><a class=\"collapsed\" id=\"ea-header-579211\" role=\"button\" data-sptoggle=\"spcollapse\" data-sptarget=\"#collapse579211\" aria-controls=\"collapse579211\" href=\"#\" aria-expanded=\"false\" tabindex=\"0\"><i aria-hidden=\"true\" role=\"presentation\" class=\"ea-expand-icon eap-icon-ea-expand-plus\"><\/i> How much does perineal massage reduce tearing?<\/a><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3><div class=\"sp-collapse spcollapse spcollapse\" id=\"collapse579211\" data-parent=\"#sp-ea-57921\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"ea-header-579211\"> <div class=\"ea-body\"><p><a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/35872935\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Studies show<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> this type of massage lowers severe (3rd to 4th degree) tear risk by 44% (RR = 0.56).<\/span><\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"ea-card sp-ea-single\"><h3 class=\"ea-header\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_do_I_give_my_wife_a_perineal_massage\"><\/span><a class=\"collapsed\" id=\"ea-header-579212\" role=\"button\" data-sptoggle=\"spcollapse\" data-sptarget=\"#collapse579212\" aria-controls=\"collapse579212\" href=\"#\" aria-expanded=\"false\" tabindex=\"0\"><i aria-hidden=\"true\" role=\"presentation\" class=\"ea-expand-icon eap-icon-ea-expand-plus\"><\/i> How do I give my wife a perineal massage?<\/a><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3><div class=\"sp-collapse spcollapse spcollapse\" id=\"collapse579212\" data-parent=\"#sp-ea-57921\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"ea-header-579212\"> <div class=\"ea-body\"><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Use clean fingers with lubricant, gently stretch in a \u201cU\u201d motion toward the anus for 1 to 2 minutes.<\/span><\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"ea-card sp-ea-single\"><h3 class=\"ea-header\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Can_perineal_massage_cause_damage\"><\/span><a class=\"collapsed\" id=\"ea-header-579213\" role=\"button\" data-sptoggle=\"spcollapse\" data-sptarget=\"#collapse579213\" aria-controls=\"collapse579213\" href=\"#\" aria-expanded=\"false\" tabindex=\"0\"><i aria-hidden=\"true\" role=\"presentation\" class=\"ea-expand-icon eap-icon-ea-expand-plus\"><\/i> Can perineal massage cause damage?<\/a><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3><div class=\"sp-collapse spcollapse spcollapse\" id=\"collapse579213\" data-parent=\"#sp-ea-57921\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"ea-header-579213\"> <div class=\"ea-body\"><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">When done gently and hygienically, it rarely causes harm; sharp pain or infection risk is low if precautions are followed.<\/span><\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"ea-card sp-ea-single\"><h3 class=\"ea-header\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Do_doctors_recommend_perineal_massage\"><\/span><a class=\"collapsed\" id=\"ea-header-579214\" role=\"button\" data-sptoggle=\"spcollapse\" data-sptarget=\"#collapse579214\" aria-controls=\"collapse579214\" href=\"#\" aria-expanded=\"false\" tabindex=\"0\"><i aria-hidden=\"true\" role=\"presentation\" class=\"ea-expand-icon eap-icon-ea-expand-plus\"><\/i> Do doctors recommend perineal massage?<\/a><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3><div class=\"sp-collapse spcollapse spcollapse\" id=\"collapse579214\" data-parent=\"#sp-ea-57921\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"ea-header-579214\"> <div class=\"ea-body\"><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Yes. Many medical reviews (for instance, the WHO) support it to reduce severe tearing during childbirth.<\/span><\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div><script type=\"application\/ld+json\">{ \"@context\": \"https:\/\/schema.org\", \"@type\": \"FAQPage\", \"@id\": \"sp-ea-schema-57921-69df317a6741b\", \"mainEntity\": [{ \"@type\": \"Question\", \"name\": \"When should you start a perineal massage during pregnancy?\", \"acceptedAnswer\": { \"@type\": \"Answer\", \"text\": \"As per experts' suggestion, one should start the massage around 34 to 36 weeks and typically do it once or twice weekly.\" } },{ \"@type\": \"Question\", \"name\": \"How much does perineal massage reduce tearing?\", \"acceptedAnswer\": { \"@type\": \"Answer\", \"text\": \"Studies show this type of massage lowers severe (3rd to 4th degree) tear risk by 44% (RR = 0.56).\" } },{ \"@type\": \"Question\", \"name\": \"How do I give my wife a perineal massage?\", \"acceptedAnswer\": { \"@type\": \"Answer\", \"text\": \"Use clean fingers with lubricant, gently stretch in a \u201cU\u201d motion toward the anus for 1 to 2 minutes.\" } },{ \"@type\": \"Question\", \"name\": \"Can perineal massage cause damage?\", \"acceptedAnswer\": { \"@type\": \"Answer\", \"text\": \"When done gently and hygienically, it rarely causes harm; sharp pain or infection risk is low if precautions are followed.\" } },{ \"@type\": \"Question\", \"name\": \"Do doctors recommend perineal massage?\", \"acceptedAnswer\": { \"@type\": \"Answer\", \"text\": \"Yes. Many medical reviews (for instance, the WHO) support it to reduce severe tearing during childbirth.\" } }] }<\/script><\/div><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Childbirth is powerful, transformative, and yes, often unpredictable. But what if there was a gentle, natural way to prepare your body for that long-awaited moment? Perineal massage is one of those quietly effective practices that more and more moms-to-be are turning to. This simple technique helps soften and stretch the perineal tissues, potentially reducing tears, [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":192,"featured_media":57915,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_genesis_hide_title":false,"_genesis_hide_breadcrumbs":false,"_genesis_hide_singular_image":false,"_genesis_hide_footer_widgets":false,"_genesis_custom_body_class":"","_genesis_custom_post_class":"","_genesis_layout":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[444],"tags":[515],"secondary_tag":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-48035","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-womens-wellness","8":"tag-women-wellness","9":"entry"},"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v24.4 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Perineal Massage for Easier, Safer Birth: HealthKart<\/title>\n<meta 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