Healthy Pregnancy: How to Avoid an Episiotomy

SPECIAL OFFER: - Limited Time Only!
(The ad below will not display on your printed page)

SAVE EVEN MORE! Say "Yes" to Fitness® Magazine today and get a second year for HALF PRICE – 2 full years (20 issues) for just $15. You also get our new Fitness Band and Total Body Express Band Workout ABSOLUTELY FREE! (U.S. orders only)

Email:

First Name:

Last Name:

Address:

City:

State:

Zip:

100% Money-Back Guarantee: You must be pleased, or you may cancel any time during the life of your subscription and receive a refund on any unserved issues – no questions asked. Fitness® Magazine is currently published 10 times annually – subject to change without notice. Double issues may be published, which count as 2 issues. Applicable sales tax will be added. E-mail address required to access your account and member benefits online. We will not share your e-mail address with anyone. Click here to view our privacy policy.

« Back |

Healthy Pregnancy: How to Avoid an Episiotomy

New studies indicate that regular perineal massage may help prevent vaginal tearing during birth -- here's what you need to know.

From the editors of FITNESS magazine

The Benefits of Perineal Massage

You may be able to reduce your need for an episiotomy, the surgical incision performed to prevent vaginal tearing during birth. The procedure is common in the U.S., despite the fact that many experts are calling its effectiveness into question.

A new review of studies found that women who practiced perineal massage -- inserting lubricated fingers 2 inches into the vagina and applying downward and sideward pressure -- for about four minutes, three to four times a week, during the last four or five weeks of pregnancy, were 15 percent less likely to require an episiotomy.

Originally published in FITNESS magazine, June 2006.