WOMENS-HEALTH Messages for June, 1997: Re: Perineum help

Re: Perineum help

From: Mary (anonymous@obgyn.net)
Thu, 5 Jun 1997 09:51:10 -0500 (CDT)

Messages sorted by: [ date ][ thread ][ subject ][ author ]
Next message: Mary: "Re: OBGYN.net-a-thon"
Previous message: Joel: "Re: OBGYN.net-a-thon"
In reply to: Pam: "Perineum help"

At Wed, 4 Jun 1997, Pam wrote: >
>I am planning a Bradley birth, as long as there are no emergencies. My question is - are there any good remedies for the burning and itching of the perineal area I have heard can come right toward the end of the delivery? I would prefer not to get a shot to deal with this.

>Pam

Hi Pam,

Since I haven't seen a response to your question yet I thought I would offer you some input.

The burning sensation comes from pressure of the baby's head on your perineum. To lessen this you can begin perineal massage about six weeks before your due date (you didn't happen to mention how far along you are). This is used to stretch the perineal tissues surrounding and between the vagina and rectum. Massaging oil into the perineum may soften tissue and reduce resistance.

Here's how it is done:

Do this massage daily for at least 5 minutes - you can either do it yourself or have your partner do the massage. A variety of oils may be used such as wheat germ or almond oil (found at health food stores) or you can substitute vegetable oil or K-Y jelly. Get into a comfortable semi-sitting position and you may want to use a mirror the first few times to see what you are doing! Dip your (clean) fingers into the oil and rub it into the perineum and lower vaginal wall. If this is a self-massage, it may be easiest to use your thumbs. Your partner can use index fingers. Place your thumbs about three inches into your vagina and press downward - toward your rectum. Keep steady pressure and slide your thumbs up the sides of your vagina. Move them in a "U" type motion as this will stretch the vaginal tissue, the surrounding vaginal muscles and the skin of the perineum. It will probably feel tight at first, but with time, the tissue will stretch and relax. It is also important to practice relaxing your muscles while doing the massage. After you get used to doing this massage, begin applying some pressure to the perineum until you can feel a slight stinging sensation.

Another thought for during delivery is to have warm compresses applied to the perineum.

For further information you can check out these websites: http://www.childbirth.org/articles/massage.html http://www.fensende.com/Users/swnymph/Preg2.html

Good luck to you and it will be interesting to hear if this helps you - please let us know.

--
Mary
Twin Cities Area
Minnesota

Next message: Mary: "Re: OBGYN.net-a-thon"
Previous message: Joel: "Re: OBGYN.net-a-thon"
In reply to: Pam: "Perineum help"

Women's Insurance Checklist from Auto Insurance Quote

use when must restrict search to only the women's health forum...
Enter search keywords:
	Returns per screen: Require all keywords: