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I helps to avoid having an episiotomy or tearing during labor...I just learned about that in my parenting classes. Some midwives recommend you start stretching it at about 34wks..

I don't think stretching helps while you are having contractions and so close to having your baby. It's something that should be done around 35wks and on wards to help prevent tearing. In anycase they are not painfull but you will be feeling pressure and some buring sensation.

I think she was recommending actual stretching of the cervix, not the perineum. I was looking for information on stretching the cervix to move labor along (but thanks for the other info!). Anyone know about this?

With my first I had my cervix stretched to get labor moving. It did help. It is a little painful but nothing compared to labor. Basically the DR or nurse goes in and presses on your cervix and inserts a finger in your cervix. Then they push and move there fingers around in a circle so to speak and it forces you to dialate a little which in turns kicks in labor. I had mine done around noonish and lost my plug by 3 pm. So if you are ready do it. It only hurts while they are actually stretching your cervix. Hope this helps :)

sounds way too invasive for me. my poor cervix has enough to go through without being pried open.

ACK! That sounds painful! I think for now I'll let the dilation continue to happen naturally (I'm already at 5cm).