Can I prevent from tearing during birth?

Question

When I had my son in 2018, I had a second degree tear. It was so awful after I left the hospital. I currently have 10 weeks till birthing my daughter, is there anything that anyone tried or did to not tear??

Answer

You  could try perineal massage

Answer

Don’t force push. Your body will push on its own. Look up infant ejection reflex. Also declining interventions will lower the chance.

Answer

I didn't do anything, but I had a 4th degree with my first, but hardly anything with my 2nd. I had like 2 stitches that I didn't even feel. So often times, 2nd births are much easier. The pushing was much easier for me as well

Answer

Evening primrose oil was a godsend for me!! I started inserting before bed each night starting at 36 weeks

Answer

My sisters OB used mineral oil during labor to help her during birth both times and she didn't tear either time...and that sister had big babies. I wanted to but by the time I got to the hospital baby was ready so we didn't have time lol. Next baby hopefully.

Answer

I’ve read a lot about different positions being better for pushing and not tearing, than the typical on your back position. 
There’s also some evidence that starting perineal massage 6 weeks prior to birth can decrease the potential to tear.

Answer

KEGELS! Every few hours either squeeze for 10 secs or do 10 squeezes as fast as possible. I was terrified of birth but came through it with a 2cm tear and no stitches required (baby was almost 9 pounds too). My BFF was pregnant at the same time - and she’s a triathlete who massaged and meditated but didn’t do kegels and tore from front to back with a baby smaller than mine. So... KEGELS.

Answer

I would recommend peritoneal massage and stretching. I did this before having my 1st (he was 8lbs 9oz) and I had no tearing at all. I will be doing again with my 2nd for sure.

Can I prevent from tearing during birth?

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