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The perineum (peri-NAY-um) is the area of skin and muscle between the vagina and anus.

The pressure of giving birth on the perineum means it may tear or need an episiotomy (eh-PEE-zee-otto-mee) when the baby is born.

Up to 9 in 10 first time women and parents who have a vaginal birth have a graze, tear or episiotomy (NHS, 2023).

Perineal massage diagram

Read more in our article about tearing and episiotomy.

Perineal massage is something that might help reduce tearing.

Perineal massage helps prepare the perineum for childbirth.

It makes the area more flexible, allowing it to stretch more easily during labour (Beckmann and Stock, 2013).
Research shows that perineal massage can reduce the chances of a severe perineal tear or episiotomy during labour.

This is particularly the case for women and people giving birth vaginally for the first time (Abdelhakim et al, 2020; Beckmann and Stock, 2013).
It can shorten the second stage of labour and reduce perineal pain after birth.

Additionally it leads to a decrease in anal incontine