How to do a perineal massage during pregnancy – the step-by-step guide (& the doctor-approved tool to support)

Oh hello, third trimester! If you’re there right now, chances are you’re probably down a few rabbit holes, researching all the ways you can prep for birth. One evidence-backed way to reduce your chances of tearing during delivery? Perineal massage during pregnancy.

Quick anatomy refresher – the perineum is the area of skin and muscle between your vaginal opening and anus. During a vaginal delivery, this area stretches and sometimes tears. Perineal massage can help prepare these tissues for that stretch.

This mini-guide will walk you through what perineal massage is, why it’s helpful, and exactly when (and how) to do it, including how an FDA-registered, doctor-recommended device like Crescendo 2 by MV.Health – a world-leader in women’s and men’s health devices – can help make it easier and more effective.

Crescendo 2 is more than just a vibrator. It’s an ultra-flexible, doctor-designed tool that is FDA-registered and clinically proven to support vaginal and pelvic health. It’s safe and effective, and has been shown to improve pelvic pain, as well as arousal, lubrication, and orgasm disorders, all of which can be impacted by the hormonal shifts of pregnancy and postpartum recovery.

The benefits of perineal massage during pregnancy and the best product to help

Perineal massage during pregnancy, specifically in the third trimester, helps gently stretch the skin and muscles around your vaginal opening. It can increase flexibility and blood flow, and has been shown to reduce the risk of tearing, as well as reduce the severity of tears, during labor.

That said, self-perineal massage at this time can feel a bit like attempting an advanced yoga move. Reaching around your bump can be tricky, and you might need to ask a partner for help. Even then, maintaining steady pressure and the right angle with your fingers alone isn’t always easy. 

Make your massage better with vibrations

Perineal massage with vibration isn’t just for fun – though it has the added benefit of feeling great! Vibrations have been clinically shown to increase blood flow, ease tension in the pelvic floor, provide pain relief, and make perineal massage more comfortable, whilst supporting healthy vaginal tissue elasticity. 

Crescendo 2’s 16 intensity levels and customizable patterns let you start gently and build up, or direct stimulation to a specific area based on what feels good for you.

One of the standout features is its 6 motors that run end-to-end, so wherever it touches, you get vibrations that promote circulation and relaxation.

Want to learn more from a pelvic floor therapist? This short video explains exactly how tools like Crescendo 2 help with myofascial pelvic floor release – the same technique behind perineal massage.

When to start perineal massage during pregnancy

If you’re wondering when to start perineal massage during pregnancy – and when to stop – we’d always recommend checking in with your doctor to make sure it’s right for your body and your pregnancy. 

However, the general advice from most healthcare professionals is to start perineal massage around 32 weeks of pregnancy, assuming there are no complications and your waters haven’t broken.

How to do a perineal massage during pregnancy, step-by-step

Now that we’re clued up on the what and why, let’s get into the simple guide for how to do a perineal massage during pregnancy.

Here’s how you might want to use Crescendo 2 on yourself:

1. Get comfy – Lie back in a semi-reclined position with your knees bent or supported by pillows. You want to feel relaxed and supported.
2. Lube it up – Apply a generous amount of water-based lube to your perineum and to Crescendo 2.
3. Start external – Turn on gentle vibrations and press Crescendo 2 against your perineum. Move it slowly in circular motions to warm up the tissue and stimulate blood flow.
4. Go internal – Once you’re comfortable, bend Crescendo 2 to your desired shape and insert it gently just inside the vaginal opening (about the depth of your first knuckle – or more if it feels good).
5. Massage in a u-shape – Apply gentle but firm pressure downward toward your anus, then sweep side-to-side in a smooth “U” shape. This mimics the manual massage technique used to stretch the perineum.
6. Breathe through it – Take slow, deep breaths to relax your pelvic floor muscles. Don’t rush. Go at your own pace.
7. Keep it regular – Try this 3 – 5 times a week for about 10 – 15 minutes. As you gain confidence, try different positions like side-lying or squatting to target different angles.

Can a partner help with perineal massage?

Absolutely. Partner participation with perineal massage isn’t just practical, it also helps partners feel directly involved, building emotional intimacy, connection, and feelings of deep support as you prepare for birth together.

Here’s how your partner might use Crescendo 2 to support you:

1. Set the scene – Ask them to help you relax with a gentle massage on your arms or legs, or some soft kisses. Make sure you’re lying back comfortably, with pillows under your knees, and that you both feel calm and unhurried.
2. Apply lube generously – Use a water-based lubricant on your perineum and on Crescendo 2.
3. Start externally and gently – Have them begin with external massage using low vibrations in circular motions. They might start by gently using their thumbs to massage your perineum – this physical touch can help ease tension and make you feel more at ease.
4. Go slow and shallow internally – Have them insert Crescendo 2 about an inch into your vaginal opening, angled slightly down toward your perineum.
5. Work the clock – Think of your vaginal opening like a clock. Your partner can gently move Crescendo 2 along the bottom half (between 3 and 9 o’clock) in a slow, steady “U” motion, applying light, consistent pressure. Because it’s designed for this, the tool helps maintain steady pressure without tiring hands or slipping. Keep communication open – let them know if something feels too firm or uncomfortable.
6. Encourage breathing and relaxation – Breathe through any sensations together, staying in tune with how you’re feeling. They can help you stay grounded with gentle reassurance, and maybe even a laugh or two if it helps lighten the moment.
7. Finish up and clean – After about 10–15 minutes, they can gently remove Crescendo 2, then wash and dry it thoroughly.
8. Make time for aftercare – Take time to cuddle, talk, or do whatever makes you feel emotionally supported and cared for. You’re a team, and this is about helping you feel better – together.

Using Crescendo 2 makes it easier for your partner to help without hand cramps and lets them focus on being present instead of navigating tricky angles or inconsistent pressure. The SmartApp control or MysteryVibe’s universal remote makes adjusting vibrations seamless, so you can both stay focused on each other, rather than the mechanics.

The key takeaway

Perineal massage may not be the cutest part of your birth prep, but it’s a really small step that can potentially make a big difference. With the help of a clever, doctor-recommended tool like Crescendo 2, it becomes more doable, more comfortable, and more effective.

With a one-time cost that’s FSA/HSA eligible, it’s an accessible, long-term addition to your sexual wellness routine. It can support arousal for more comfortable intimacy during postpartum recovery and beyond, and also neatly double as a pelvic floor therapy tool to aid your recovery.

Want to try it for yourself? Whether you’re going for it alone or with a partner, jump over to MV.Health and get your Crescendo 2 to make perineal massage easier.