Princess Lock, a nurse practitioner and nursing educator at Orlando Health's Winnie Palmer Hospital for Women & Babies, suggests giving yourself a perineal massage for 10 minutes per day, three to four times per week, starting at around 35 weeks gestation to decrease your chances of tearing while in labor.
"Any earlier than this could possibly increase chances of preterm labor due to muscle contractility and hormone release. Statistically, there hasn't been a significant benefit if done prior to six weeks before delivery. Keep in mind that a little discomfort or tingling is normal, but burning is not," Lock says.
And it can be used during delivery, too. Make sure to speak with your medical team ahead of time if this is something you're interested in including in your birth plan.
