I'm currently 15 weeks pregnant and wondering if it would be ok to start perineal massage now?

Question

it says on a few site that you should start it in the last 6 weeks of pregnancy but i really don't want to tear!

Answer 1

It won't hurt anything, but it's earlier than necessary.  If it helps your frame of mind to feel that you are doing all you can, then go for it.

And an added note -- Tearing was the thing I was MOST afraid of, for some reason.  The idea of it just sounds awful, I guess.  I did tear a little, and it really wasn't that big a deal.  A few stitches, a little soreness for a few days, and then as good as new.

I'm all for doing whatever you can to prevent it, or at least limit it, but tearing really is a natural part of birth sometimes.  Unlike an episiotomy, a natural tear will usually be small, and just enough to help the baby to come out.

Don't be scared -- you will be fine!

Answer 2

go for it

Answer 3

In the What to Expect When Expecting book it has 2 little articles on perineal massage. it doesnt say anything about when is a good time to start it actually starts with "Impatiently waiting for labor to start? Don't just sit there- massage your perineum!" So i would assume that is ok to start at any time during pregnancy. i never did it at all though.  i had an epidural and didnt feel a thing (my friends got epidurals and said they still felt the baby crown, mine took an hour to kick in though).

I tore a tiny bit on the inside and had to get stitches (i dont even know how many they did) but it wasnt that bad at all. it kind of hurts when u pee though lol. i was deathly scared of tearing and just labor period but its just such a natural process. tearing was the last thing on my mind when i was pushing, all you'll be worried about is seeing your beautiful baby. its worth all the pain in the world : )  

Answer 4

Its fine to start it anytime, its not going to harm anything anyway although Im not sure if It would benefit you any this early on but its worth a try!