Question:I am heavily pregnant and have been using perineal massage to prepare for birth (this helps reduce tearing). I usually massage once per day but am increasing to 3x per day next week as I will be on maternity leave and have more time during the day. I use a perineal massage oil in a glass jar (so no squeezing tube, just pouring a little on my finger). Is it permissible to do perineal massage on Shabbat? Thank you.
Besha’ah tovah!
It is permissible to lightly massage oil into the skin on Shabbat, preferably in a slightly different manner than on a regular day, as by using a different hand. This is not considered an act of healing, on which there are more constraints over Shabbat, because there is no illness or problem with the area.
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