RE: [ozmidwifery] Perineal massage

[Nicole Carver]

Hi Helen, I believe that there is at least a 9% increase in the chance of a primi having an intact peri if they do 10 minutes of perineal massage daily for four weeks prior to birthing. Unfortunately only half the midwives in the study provided the info to the women attending them for antenatal care for a variety of reasons, including that they did think it was worthwhile themselves. Therefore you could reasonably extend that increase up to an 18% chance of having an intact perineum, over and above the roughly 20% chance of having an intact perineum regardless of perineal massage or any other measure. The multis in the study did not experience any benefit. I am sorry I don't have the reference any more. However, I am recommending perineal massage now, particularly to women who ride horses or do a lot of exercise, as from experience these women often have a thick peri. Interested to hear what others say. Nicole. -----Original Message----- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]On Behalf Of Helen and Graham Sent: Thursday, June 29, 2006 1:57 PM To: ozmidwifery Subject: [ozmidwifery] Perineal massage Just wondering whether everyone is recommending perineal massage antenatally as a way of reducing the risk of tearing?  I have read research to suggest it has been effective so I have just started to tell women about it.  I also am careful to say that it may not work but there is no harm in trying.  I remember it was bandied around years ago but there wasn't any research to support it's effectiveness back then.    What are your thoughts   Helen