Sweet Almond Oil for Perineal Massage

If you’re pregnant, you have probably heard of perineal massage. This is a perineal stretching technique, done in the last weeks of pregnancy and shown in many clinical studies to help reduce the risk of tearing during childbirth.

Perineal massage requires you to lubricate your perineum. While any unscented perineal massage oil will do, one of the most recommended lubricants is almond oil.

Here’s why sweet almond oil is the preferred choice for many professionals.

Almond oil is a natural lubricant for perineal massage

The topical use of sweet almond oil has a wide range of uses, from massages and wraps to use as a skin-softening moisturizer. Almond oil is preferred as a vaginal lubricant because it is gentle, nourishing, and free of preservatives and chemicals. You can have peace of mind knowing that almond oil encourages relaxation, making your massage time safe and comfortable. In addition to being a natural lubricant, almond oil also has hydrating properties that add to its effectiveness.

Perineal massage helps prepare the tissues for childbirth

Perineal massage offers great benefits for expectant mothers and can help to make the vaginal delivery process smoother. Massaging the perineum tissue—located in the area between the vagina and rectum—will soften, relax, and stretch the tissue that covers the pelvic floor muscles. Studies have shown that promoting this natural stretching can help to prevent perineal tears during childbirth. The massage also increases blood flow, which helps to heat up the tissue and make it more elastic and easier to dilate (or open) when the baby is coming through the birth canal. Perineal massage should not be painful. Before you begin, make sure to ask your healthcare professional if the massage is right for you, and how to do it on your own or with a partner. Done correctly, perineal massage is a fantastic head start on preparing your body for labor and delivery.

Almond oil is considered safe during pregnancy

Safety is at the forefront when expecting such as ‘what should I be eating?’,  ‘should I do perineal exercises or prenatal yoga?’. One safety concern during pregnancy is which beauty or health products to use on your body. Thankfully, almond oil is a safe and natural option for expecting mothers. Regulatory authorities categorize this oil as GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe). Almond oil is usually cold pressed and unrefined, meaning its full benefits are intact. It’s an amazing source of monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, making it perfect for nourishing skin—great for preventing those postpartum stretch marks. With hydrating properties and anti-inflammatory effects, you shouldn’t be concerned about using it on your skin.

You can find almond oil at most health food stores or online

Almond oil is widely available, since it can be found online or at most health food stores. Mommy Care’s sweet almond oil nourishes the skin naturally and contains fatty acids that lock in moisture. It is nutrient-rich: vitamin A, vitamin E, Omega-3, and zinc. The oil is free of allergens. The oil comes in an extra-large bottle of 120 mL (4.05 oz) with a push-top cap bottle to prevent spills and waste.

Almond oil is a great natural lubricant to use for perineal massage

Perineal massage can help prepare your body for childbirth and almond oil can help to prepare the tissues for childbirth. It is considered safe to use—but before you start, talk to your healthcare professional just to be sure.

When you’re ready to begin perineal massage, you can find almond oil at most health food stores or to order online.