Bleeding During Perineal Massage? Prob.TMI

[Zoethink]

At my midwife's suggestion I have begun doing perineal massage. The suggestion is to start by stretching the perineum for 2 min and then massage for 10 min. I can do the stretching fine, but once I start massaging, I really start to bleed. The thing is, it doesn't hurt. It's not like I am being too rough or something. It doesn't feel like I have scratched myself or anything either. I did ask about it at my last appointment, and my MW said a little bleeding was normal. But I am not sure what "a little" is, and it has only gotten worse each time I've done it. I am not, like, gushing, but definitely dripping, whereas before it was more like a smudge. I am totally going to ask at my next appointment (early next week), but I was just wondering what others' experiences have been.

Thanks!

[amb2j]

I've never bled during perineal massage. I'd definitely bring it up to my midwife.

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[canadianbakers]

Huh. I'd definitely take a break from it and mention it to your MW before continuing. I've not heard of that either.
I wonder if it's just the increased blood flow to the area, and then the massage causing irritation, causing the bleeding? Have you had bleeding while dtd as well?

[Belle]

Could there be a hemorrhoid in the area that's getting aggravated?

[birdinhand]

I have mixed feelings about perineal massage. The body prepares so many ways for birth and breastfeeding, massaging the perineum seems like overkill. Staying hydrated during labor (but not overhydrated, as IVs can cause edema which can cause tearing), and an upright position for second stage coupled with a mom pushing when she feels the urge, are optimal ways to avoid tearing, imo.

Always a favorite of mine: http://www.midwiferytoday.com/articles/honoring.asp

[Almacham]

I would definitely bring that up.

[momof3boys1girl]

Originally Posted by birdinhand I have mixed feelings about perineal massage. The body prepares so many ways for birth and breastfeeding, massaging the perineum seems like overkill. Staying hydrated during labor (but not overhydrated, as IVs can cause edema which can cause tearing), and an upright position for second stage coupled with a mom pushing when she feels the urge, are optimal ways to avoid tearing, imo. Always a favorite of mine: http://www.midwiferytoday.com/articles/honoring.asp

I was thinking this too. Ive never done perineal massage with any four of mine all delivered by diff mws/obs all vaginally and never tore with any of them.

[AniMommy]

Never had any bleeding when I did it. I did it pretty regularly with DD1. No tearing. I didn't do it w DD2 and I had no tearing either (and she had a nucal hand).

[canadianbakers]

I 2nd (or 3rd?) wondering about the validity of perineal massage. I've had 3 full term births and haven't torn with any of them, never did any massage or anything, just let my body do what it was going to do.
I don't think it can hurt, normally, but it sounds like your body doesn't like it for some reason.

[canadianbakers]

double post