9 in 10 women experience perineal trauma after birth and perineal tears are twice as likely to occur in first time mothers.

The perineum is the space between your vagina and anus and is the area that is cut (episiotomy) or spontaneously tears during childbirth. Risk factors for increased perineal tearing include:

• Increased fetal birth weight
• Operative vaginal birth
• Maternal birth position
• Advanced maternal age

Massage of the perineum starting in the 3rd trimester around 36 weeks has been shown to increase the length of the muscles as well as the elasticity of the tissue reducing the risk of tearing during birth. According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) perineal massage plus warm compresses to the perineum increases the chance of an intact perineum and decreases the rate of 2nd degree tearing, need for episiotomy and anal sphincter injury.

Being informed about the risks of tearing and preventative techniques can empower women to make informed decisions about management decisions at the end of pregnancy and during labor.

Click here for instructions on how to do perineal massage.  (from Health New Zealand)