Perineal massage is usually started in late pregnancy, most commonly around 34–36 weeks, and then done several times a week until birth, as long as a midwife or doctor has said it is safe for you.

Quick Scoop

  • Most guidelines suggest starting perineal massage from about 34 or 35 weeks of pregnancy.
  • Many parents aim for 1–4 short sessions per week, about 3–5 minutes each time.
  • Always check with a healthcare professional first, especially if you have infections (like thrush or genital herpes) or pregnancy complications.

When to Start Perineal Massage

  • Several maternity services and health sites advise that you can start perineal massage any time from 34 weeks of pregnancy.
  • Some guides phrase it as “from 35 weeks onwards” and recommend doing it daily or a few times a week until labor.

How Often and How Long

  • Common advice is 1–2 times per week as a minimum, with some leaflets recommending up to daily or every other day for maximum benefit.
  • Sessions are typically short, around 3–5 minutes, which is considered enough to potentially help reduce tearing and episiotomy rates.

When You Should Not Start Yet

  • If you have suspected or known genital herpes, thrush, genital warts, or another vaginal infection, you are usually advised to avoid perineal massage and talk to a midwife or doctor first.
  • If you have any pregnancy complications, bleeding, pain, or are at risk of preterm labor, timing and safety should be checked with your maternity team before starting.

Evidence and “Is Earlier Better?”

  • Research suggests that perineal massage in the last weeks of pregnancy can reduce the risk of perineal trauma and episiotomy, particularly for first‑time vaginal births.
  • Reviews still debate the “best” exact week to start, but the consistent window in current practice is late third trimester (roughly 34–36 weeks) rather than earlier in pregnancy.

TL;DR: For most uncomplicated pregnancies, start perineal massage around 34–36 weeks, do it a few times per week for 3–5 minutes, and clear it with your midwife or doctor first, especially if you have any infections or complications.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.