Antenatal Perineal Massage to Prevent Birth Trauma

Antenatal digital perineal massage in the final month of pregnancy is safe and well tolerated. Women who have not had a previous vaginal delivery and perform digital perineal massage in the final month of pregnancy experience less perineal birth trauma, mostly through fewer episiotomies, than those who have not performed massage. Women who have had a previous vaginal delivery do not experience a reduction in birth trauma, but they report less pain at three months postpartum. No difference is noted in assisted vaginal deliveries, sexual satisfaction, or urinary incontinence.