What Is Perineal Massage?
If You're Nervous About Tearing During Birth, This Technique May Help You Avoid It
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Although medical opinions on how effective perineal massage is in preventing tears during vaginal childbirth differ, there is evidence that first-time moms who receive perineal massage are 10 percent less likely to suffer a tear that would require stitches and 16 percent less likely to require an episiotomy.
It's also worth noting that perineal massage isn't the only effective method to prevent tearing. Princess Lock, a nurse practitioner and nursing educator at Orlando Health's Winnie Palmer Hospital for Women & Babies, points out that the use of a warm compress during the second stage of labor can reduce the likelihood of secondary perineal trauma.