Perineal massage during labor

Transcription:

Perineal massage is massaging a pregnant woman's perineum around the vagina in hopes of preparation for childbirth. The idea is to reduce your risk of vaginal tearing and episiotomies, and also reduce your risk of having an instrument delivery, such as a vacuum or forcep delivery. Clinical trials have mainly shown, perineal massage only reduces your chance of an episiotomy in 6 percent of the time. It's also important to know that perineal massage does not induce labor.

Video Categories: PREGNANCY, Preparing for Birth and Baby, Labor

Sheryl Ross, MD Obstetrician & Gynecologist, explains what the reasons for having a perineal massage during labor are and whether or not they are effective in reducing chances of episiotomy

Transcript

Expert Bio

Sherry Ross, MD

Obstetrician & Gynecologist

Sherry A. Ross, MD, received her OB/GYN training at the University of Southern California School of Medicine and she was honored with two teaching awards as a senior medical resident. She was a medical consultant on the books Expecting Fitness and Two at a Time. She also has appeared on MTV, consulted for Fit Pregnancy, People, In Touch, and Shape Magazine. She has been in private practice in Santa Monica, California for the past 20 years. In addition to her medical practice, Dr. Ross was the President of the Upper and Middle Division of Brentwood School and has been on the board of Planned Parenthood, Los Angeles, for three years. She is married and has three children.

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