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Fundal Uterine Massage: What to Expect After Childbirth

Amy

January 13, 2024

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When you think of a massage, you might envision a relaxing spa experience with soothing music and a gentle touch. However, when it comes to fundal massage, it’s a whole different ballgame. Fundal massage, also known as uterine massage, is a crucial part of perinatal care, and it’s essential to understand why you’ll undergo this procedure after giving birth to your baby.

What Is Fundal Massage?

Fundal massage is a standard practice performed after the delivery of the placenta, usually while you’re bonding with your newborn through skin-to-skin contact. Your medical team will carefully examine your abdomen, locating the top of your uterus, known as the fundus. Typically, the fundus is positioned just around or slightly below your belly button immediately after childbirth.

Next, your nurse or healthcare provider will engage in a form of “massage” for your uterus. This involves applying gentle but firm pressure and rubbing the uterus while pushing it downwards and inwards. Simultaneously, they will support the lower part of the uterus near the pubic bone with their other hand. In some cases, the provider may need to perform a fundal massage with a hand inside the vagina to compress the uterine arteries effectively.

Why Is Fundal Massage Done after Childbirth?

The primary purpose of uterine massages is to stimulate ongoing contractions of the uterus and prevent postpartum hemorrhage. When the placenta detaches and is expelled, it leaves behind an area where it was attached to the uterine wall, which can lead to bleeding. Natural uterine contractions play a critical role in pushing out this residual blood and applying pressure to the blood vessels within the uterus to stop the bleeding. Consequently, your healthcare team will perform fundal massages regardless of whether you’ve had a vaginal or C-section delivery.

In the hours immediately following childbirth, your care team will conduct multiple rounds of uterine massage, and they may continue to do so in the days that follow. During these assessments, your nursing staff will regularly evaluate the condition of your abdomen and uterus. After delivery, the uterus should feel firm, like a softball, and be positioned at or just below your belly button. If the uterus doesn’t exhibit this firmness, it often becomes harder after a fundal massage as any remaining blood or clots are expelled.

What Does Fundal Massage Feel Like?

It’s important to note that fundal massage is not a relaxing experience. The intensity of this procedure can vary from person to person. The repeated pressure and squeezing on your abdomen can be uncomfortable, mainly due to the level of force required to affect the uterus. Additionally, the resulting uterine contractions, often referred to as “after pains,” can also cause some discomfort, though they typically pale in comparison to the sensations experienced during labor.

If you have any questions or concerns about fundal massage, postpartum hemorrhage, or any aspect of your upcoming delivery, don’t hesitate to discuss them with your healthcare provider during your next prenatal visit.

Remember, fundal uterine massage is a standard procedure designed to ensure your well-being and the health of your newborn. While it may not be the most pleasant experience, it plays a vital role in your postpartum care.