Perennial Massage and Pelvic Floor exercises

[natari]

Hi all,

just wanted to get some feedback regarding perennial massage and pelvic floor exercises.

Who is doing these/did these during pregnancy? Any troubles? Any tips?
Did it help with labour? - tearing etc...

My midwife has been pushing to have these done daily since about 24 weeks, claiming they make labour (and afterwards!) easier to manage (and have been following orders ). I have also done a lot of reading on these to make sure im well educated and informed, but feel the best information comes from those of us who have experienced it all or are trying it all out!

Thanks for your responses in advance!

Belly Rubs to all of you in your pregnancies!

Natari

[Arimeh]

I did it for about 2 weeks from 36 weeks. I only got a minor tear - but that might of happened anyway.

So yeah - dunno!

[Rowellen]

I didn't bother at all - I was lazy lol. I had a tear too. Nothing major. But I also had a 9lb 10 baby

[natari]

Thanks guys!

So far I guess not much of a consensus, I want to follow doctors orders, but I don't want to do any "unnecessary" fiddling with anything if I don't have too! (sorry if TMI!)

[Tish]

I did a bit of half hearted massage in the last few weeks. IMHO it was a good exercise to feel the sensation of really being stretched, and I wish I had've done a bit more. i had a 3.9kg baby with grazing, no stitches req'd.

Did she show you how to do it? Remember to stretch in all directions too...

As far as tips go, I'd be looking in to birthing positions that help reduce tearing. DS is 15 months old now, so my memory of this is getting a bit fuzzy, but from what I remember squatting increases the likelihood of tearing, but I can't remember positions that reduce it? Maybe ask your midwife.

But yeah, I reckon give it a whirl - it can't hurt.

HTH

[natari]

Thanks Tish,

I figured the same... It cant hurt to try!

I might try and look into those birthing positions you mentioned, and i'll let you know if i have any success! Maybe it will spark your memory!

Thanks for the quick tips though!