Should Perineal Massage Hurt?

Perineal massage shouldn't hurt, though you may feel pressure in the first few weeks of starting, which should ease. Avoid perineal massage if you have vaginal herpes, thrush or a vaginal infection (Oxford University NHS Trust, 2014).

How do I know if I am doing perineal massage correctly?

The process is the same, although he may find it easier to use his fingers, rather than his thumbs. After you've been doing perineal massage for a few weeks, you may notice the skin and muscles around your vaginal opening becoming looser. This is a great sign that the massage is working.

What can I expect from a perineal massage?

Perineal massage is gentle, manual stretching of your pelvic floor to prepare the muscles and skin between your vagina and rectum for the birth of your baby. The goal is to reduce the risk of tearing and scarring when you deliver.