A perineal massage wand, often called a peri wand, is a slim, handled tool designed to help you reach the perineum in late pregnancy, when a growing bump makes reaching by hand difficult. It extends the reach of your fingers so you can apply the same gentle, controlled pressure to the perineal area on your own, without help from a partner and without straining into an awkward position. In the US it is offered as a general wellness device rather than a medical device.
If you have been searching terms like "peri wand," "perineum massager," or "perineal stretching tool," they all point to the same category of product. This guide explains what a perineal massage wand is, why women use one, the shapes on the market, what to look for before you buy, and how it is used and cleaned.
What is a perineal massage wand?
A perineal massage wand is a handheld tool shaped for perineal massage during pregnancy. The perineum is the area of tissue between the vaginal opening and the anus. Perineal massage is the practice of gently working this tissue in the weeks before birth, and it is traditionally done with the fingers.
The problem is physical. As pregnancy progresses into the third trimester, the bump sits directly between your hands and your perineum. Many women find that somewhere around the eighth or ninth month they simply cannot reach the area at a natural angle any longer. A wand closes that gap. Its handle keeps your wrist and arm in a comfortable position while the tip reaches the spot your fingertip normally would, so you stay in control of exactly where and how firmly you press.
If you are completely new to the practice, it helps to start with the fundamentals. Our guide to what perineal massage is and our explainer on what the perineum is cover the groundwork this article builds on.
Why use a wand instead of your fingers?
The single reason is reach. In early pregnancy most women can perform perineal massage manually with no trouble. It is in the final trimester, exactly when many choose to practice, that the bump makes the angle and distance awkward or impossible to manage alone. A wand is designed for women who cannot comfortably reach on their own.
There are a few practical knock-on benefits to that extra reach. You do not have to hold an uncomfortable or strained posture for the length of a session. You can keep a steady, even pressure because your hand is working at a natural angle rather than at full stretch. And you can practice independently, on your own schedule, rather than relying on a partner being available each time.
A wand is not the only option. If a partner is helping you, they can often reach by hand without a tool at all. Our walkthrough on doing perineal massage on your own or with a partner explains both approaches so you can decide what fits your situation.
What shapes of perineal massage wand are there?
Wands are not all the same, and the shape of the working tip is the main difference between them.
Curved wands use a long, gently bent shaft, a little like a slim hook, so the tip can be angled toward the perineum from below the bump. Thumb-shaped wands take a different route: the tip is modelled on the shape and size of a thumb, the digit most people would naturally use for this kind of massage, so the tool mirrors the manual technique it is replacing rather than introducing a new one. Some tools are marketed simply as a "perineal massager" or "stretching tool" and fall into one of these two families.
The thumb-shaped design has the advantage of familiarity: if you have read any manual technique guide, a thumb-shaped tip does the same job in a similar way, just with the reach added.
What should you look for in a perineal massage wand?
Before you buy, it is worth comparing tools on a few concrete points rather than price alone.
| Feature | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Shape of the tip | A thumb or fingertip shape mirrors the manual technique (fingers) it replaces, so there is less to learn. |
| Handle length and grip | Enough length to reach comfortably past the bump, with a grip that stays steady in your hand once oil is added. |
| Material and finish | Smooth, non-porous silicone is easy to wipe down and clean between uses. A polished finish means no rough edges against delicate tissue. |
| Works with oil | Most wands are used with a massage oil for glide. Check the tool is meant to be used this way. |
| Guidance included | Some wands come with a companion app or printed instructions so you know how to position and move the tool rather than guessing. |
| Reviews from real buyers | Verified reviews from other pregnant women tell you how a tool actually performs in practice. |
For a side-by-side look at specific tools rather than the category in general, see our comparison of how to choose the best perineal massage tool.
How is a perineal massage wand used?
In general terms, the tip should be coated with a massage oil for glide and applied to the perineal area, following the instructions supplied with the tool. The handle lets you keep your hand at a comfortable angle while you work.
It is worth speaking to your own midwife or healthcare provider rather than relying on a generic set of steps. Ask them when it is appropriate for you to begin (usually about the 35th week of pregnancy), how often to practice, and whether the practice suits your circumstances. Always follow the instructions for use that come with your wand, including any listed situations where it should not be used, and stop if anything feels uncomfortable.
The Perimom perineal massage wand
Perimom is a thumb-shaped perineal massage wand designed for women who cannot comfortably reach the perineum by hand in late pregnancy. The tip is modelled on a thumb so the tool mirrors manual technique rather than replacing it with something unfamiliar. Each unit is hand-polished and inspected before it ships, so the surface that meets delicate tissue is smooth.
It is offered in the US as a general wellness device. It pairs with a free companion app, Perimom Perineal Massage Trainer, which guides short audio sessions so you can follow along rather than working from memory. It has been on the market for several years with more than 500 verified buyer reviews behind it.
Frequently asked questions
Is a peri wand a medical device?
It depends on the country. In the US, Perimom is offered as a general wellness device rather than a medical device, which is a distinct regulatory category. In some other markets such as the EU and Australia, the same tool is usually classified differently. If classification matters to you, check how the specific product you are considering is described in your own country rather than assuming the category is the same everywhere.
When should you start using a perineal massage wand?
Healthcare providers usually recommend starting perineal massage about the 35th week of pregnancy. Ask your midwife or healthcare provider when it is appropriate for you to begin based on your own pregnancy.
Can you use oil with a perineal massage wand?
Yes, you usually should do perineal massage with an oil or lubricant. A massage oil provides the glide that lets the tip move smoothly rather than dragging. Almond oil is a common choice and is covered in detail in our almond oil guide. If you are weighing up your options, our overview of which oils can be used in pregnancy compares the usual choices. Apply the oil to the tip and to the perineal area before you begin.
How do you clean a perineal massage wand?
Most wands are straightforward to keep clean. Wash it with mild soap and warm water after each use, rinse thoroughly, and leave it to air dry before storing it somewhere clean and dry. The non-porous surface is what makes this easy, because there are no pores for residue to sit in. Always follow the specific cleaning instructions supplied with your own tool, as materials can differ between products.
Peri wand, perineum massager, perineal stretching tool: are they the same thing?
Broadly, yes. Peri wand, perineal massage wand, perineum massager, and perineal stretching tool are all names for the same category of handled tool used to reach the perineum during pregnancy. The names come from different brands and different searches rather than describing genuinely different products. What actually varies between tools is the shape of the device, shape of the tip, the material, the handle, and whether guidance is included, which is why it is worth comparing those points rather than the name.
