Does third trimester antenatal perineal massage improve perineal outcomes for vaginal delivery?

Abstract

Evidence-Based Answer 

Probably to a small degree. Women who practice perineal massage beginning at 34 weeks, 5 to 10 minutes at a time, 3 to 7 days a week are 10% less likely to need sutures, but without a significant change in the incidence or type of perineal tears (SOR: A, meta-analysis). Primigravidas may benefit more than multigravidas (SOR: B, subanalysis of a meta-analysis).