[Cheryl_W]

Okay, so DH and I have been doing that since I hit 35 weeks (actually, we did it a bit earlier in pregnancy but he couldn't keep up on it without whining... Now that I'm so close to my EDD, I'm not letting him whine his way out of doing it anymore! LOL)

Anyway, for those of you who did it (or had DH do it for you, like I am, because OMG how do they expect pregnant women to bend that way?) I have a few questions...

One, did it hurt you? Because sometimes it really hurts, and other times, not as much. Actually sometimes (TMI) it feels really good LOL but other times when I'm all swollen in that area, it hurts really bad. Any tips for making it not hurt? Hot/cold compress, techniques, hot shower/bath, anything?

Two, how do you make it less awkward? I mean, that part of your body is typically sexual (especially when your husband is near it) and now it... Well, it just isn't when he's doing that. It's like your hubby is suddenly that creepy OB/GYN we've all run into at home point, who gets a smirk on his face before doing a pelvic exam and just makes the whole situation uncomfortable.

Is there anything you can do to make it maybe, romantic or something? I don't know, it is just strange to have DH doing something in that area that isn't sexual or romantic at all, and I feel weird about it. Probably doesn't help that I have one of THE most sarcastic husbands in the world, who likes to make jokes and play with my va-jay-jay in totally unflattering ways LOL

And three, did it actually help? I know you and Jimmy did it, Krista - did it make a difference? My midwife recommends it to reduce the risk of tearing, and I know from DH telling me that it is making things more "elastic" there (plus I'm learning how to change my thought processes about the sensations to make it hurt less, which I'm assuming can only help...) Just curious if it made a real difference for anyone?

Oh, and as for all my labor signs (if you're wondering) - I have had full blown false labor at least once now, almost twice but it went away really quickly, but I'm going to stop worrying about labor signs and things. I realize now that most of my freaking out and thinking "OMG is this labor?" is really just because I'm afraid of being early and having to go to the hospital, and I just have to accept what my body and baby want to do, and remember that the place I give birth isn't as important as finally being able to hold my little girl in my arms. It will be a wonderful, magical experience no matter what, so I have no reason to be afraid!

Thanks girls!

[fromustobaby]

we didnt do anything beforehand but the ob did perineal massage while i was pushing kaiden out - about 1 hour or so...i think she did it w/ warm water...felt great, specially when he was crowning...i got one 2nd degree tear and thats about it

[MommaLee]

We didn't do anything and neither did the nurse or doctor. I got a 2nd degree tear also.

[ca_dawson]

My dr attempted it as well, but she came out so fast that she didn't really have time and she ended up having to do an episiotomy and I had a tear on my labia (Ouch!) All I can say is thank god for the epidural...I didn't feel anything, but once it wore off...lets just say I finally know the meaning of "fire crotch"! LOL! I've heard conflicting things as to whether or not its worth it, but for me it was just too weird so we didn't even try it. I'd rather save the pain for labor!