Nishmat's Women’s Health and HalachaIn memory of Chaya Mirel bat R' Avraham

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Perineal massage on Shabbat

29 June, 2020
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.


Answer:

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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