Anybody used perineal gel?

[babybo]

I've been told it could stop you from tearing?

 

[BellaRiven]

I can't reach that far down to apply it but I have heard that it is good stuff

 

[cosmicgirl]

I believe a dab of olive oil can be just as effective x

 

[Daydreaming]

oo, not heard of this... for either perineal gel or olive oil. When are you supposed to apply?

 

[Kirsty.Y.84]

I bought some from mothercare. Me and hubby have tried it twice, but it's quite painful, and it's scaring me because if I find this painful, god knows what I'll be like in labour!

You're meant to apply a couple of times a week from 34 weeks. I get hubby to do it as I can't comfortably reach! Not sure if it'll work but I'll try anything to reduce tearing! xx

 

[Jayjay027]

Rubbing the gel in hurts??!?!!
Oh dear x

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[Kirsty.Y.84]

You don't so much rub it in, but more use it as a lubricant/moisturuser to soften and stretch the area. You are suppose to use 2 fingers or thumbs to gently stretch downwards until it stings slightly, but I found it uncomfortable before the stretching part even happened! I think the idea is to get the skin used to being stretched so that it's less likely to tear during birth and more likely to just stretch x

 

[Karate Kid]

Rubbing the gel in hurts??!?!!
Oh dear x

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If you feel brave enough YouTube it....

I have heard that Almond oil is as effective and I use it on my bump all the time so I will be using that from around 34 weeks x

 

[mrsblue]

I'm using almond oil. You can get it from boots and it only costs about £1.50. I have to say that I HATE "massaging" down there, especially the stingy-ness as it makes me worry about how much pain I'm going to be in when there is a head going through there!! However, I am doing it anyway because I'm trying to desensitise myself to it and also practice breathing through it and staying relaxed. Not nice, but if it helps then it will be worth it! xxx

 

[aliciabubba]

I can't reach that far down to apply it but I have heard that it is good stuff

Ha ha ha bella I'm so with you! Icant reach anything down there anymore lol xx

 

[babyelmo]

I'm not brave enough to try it!!! That said, I didn't use it last time either and although I had a 2nd degree tear I didn't feel any of the burning pain or the tear happening.

 

[Jayjay027]

Rubbing the gel in hurts??!?!!
Oh dear x

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If you feel brave enough YouTube it....

I'm not brave enough lol x

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[FirstBabyEek]

Oh my, this thread is scaring me! Is the massage meant to really beneficial?

x

 

[babybo]

Oh crumbs I had no idea you had to do it like that? I just thought you rubbed it in. I didn't realise you had to put fingers etc inside?? I can barely reach as it is? X

 

[FirstBabyEek]

Eekk!! Just googled it and the NHS Kings College London trust have a lovely PDF on it I wont divulge what they say for those that wish to stay blissfully ignorant.

At least I've got another few weeks to decide if I'm going to get involved with that.....

Oh the joys!
x

 

[KarenC]

hahaha... I googled it months ago and it scared the life out of me. TMI - Last smear I had, the nurse said 'oh, you're so small!' about my vag, which has made me really anxious about tearing now. Like some of you say, it hurts just to, uh, stretch that area a bit. Getting a thumb in? Getting TWO thumbs or fingers in? Not a chance, peeps. I am going to tear up to my throat...

 

[Karate Kid]

Well three of the ladies I know who have tried it didn't graze/tear or need to be cut.... I think I will try it and see how it goes! xx

 

[Karate Kid]

hahaha... I googled it months ago and it scared the life out of me. TMI - Last smear I had, the nurse said 'oh, you're so small!' about my vag, which has made me really anxious about tearing now. Like some of you say, it hurts just to, uh, stretch that area a bit. Getting a thumb in? Getting TWO thumbs or fingers in? Not a chance, peeps. I am going to tear up to my throat...

I amd 24 so I have not had a smear so I don't even know what stretching will feel like!! x

 

[KarenC]

I amd 24 so I have not had a smear so I don't even know what stretching will feel like!! x

Aw. Smears are fine, they don't hurt - it's just that she made a comment about my size at the appointment which has now made me a bit scared. I will give massage a go... if I can reach past my mahoosive gut. Certainly not getting hubby to do it

 

[Kiwi]

I did this religiously from 34 weeks in my previous pregnancy and still ended up with an episiotomy Don't think I'll bother this time.