When you hear the word “massage,” you may picture getting a back rub in a spa-like atmosphere with calm music playing. But when it comes to fundal massage, prepare for it to be a very different experience. Fundal massage, also known as uterine massage, is a key component of perinatal care. Here’s what to know about fundal massage, and why you’ll experience it after the birth of your baby.
What Is Fundal Massage?
Fundal massage is a routine procedure done after delivering the placenta, typically while you’re enjoying skin to skin time with your brand new baby. Your care team will examine your belly, and find the top of your uterus—also known as the fundus—which is typically located right around, or right below your belly button following childbirth.
Your nurse or provider will then “massage” your uterus by pushing downward and inward on your stomach, and firmly rubbing the uterus. While massaging the uterus with one hand, they will support the bottom of the uterus near the pubic bone with their other hand. In some cases, your provider may need to perform a fundal massage with a hand in the vagina in order to compress the uterine arteries.
Why Is Fundal Massage Done after Childbirth?
The main reason to perform uterine massages is to help encourage the uterus continue to contract and prevent postpartum hemorrhage. After the placenta detaches and is delivered, the area where it was attached to the uterine wall bleeds. Uterine contractions naturally help to push out this blood and put pressure on the blood vessels in the uterus in order to stop the bleeding. For this reason, your care team will perform fundal massages whether you have a vaginal or C-section delivery.
Your care team will perform several rounds of uterine massage in the hours following childbirth, but may also continue to do so in the days following. Your nursing staff will feel your stomach and uterus routinely. After delivery the uterus should feel hard like a softball, and be at or just below your belly button. If the uterus isn’t firm, it typically hardens up after fundal massage once blood or clots are expelled.
How Does Fundal Massage Feel?
This kind of massage definitely isn’t relaxing; however, it can vary in intensity for every new mama. The repeated massaging or squeezing on your abdomen can definitely be unpleasant, particularly due to the amount of pressure needed to impact the uterus. The resulting uterine contractions, often known as after pains, can also be a bit uncomfortable…though after labor, they just may feel like a walk in the park!
If you have questions about fundal massage, postpartum hemorrhage, or any other concerns related to your upcoming delivery, chat with your provider at your next prenatal visit.