How to prevent tearing during birth?

Question

I’ve heard horror stories of the after effects of tearing during birth. I also heard water birth helps with no tearing. Is there anything else that helps with not tearing?

Answer

Not lay on your back. Ask the midwife to tell you when to push, and when not to push. No epidural, because it’s easier to push when you feel your contractions.

Answer

Perineal massage!

Answer

Prayer. Genetics.

Answer

Perineal massage regularly before labor starting about 34ish weeks. Not laying in your back during delivery (not always an option per some hospital rules). Ask your ob to use mineral oil on your down there during labor. They will soak a towel and hold it against that area and it helps lubricate the area and make the skin less prone to tearing/elastic. Make sure you are very hydrated the end of your pregnancy. Hydrated skin is more elastic skin and that goes for your whole body. I had a grade 2 tear (no pain management at all) and honestly didn't really hurt and recovery was easy so even if you tear it might not be that bad. Good luck and congrats with baby

Answer

Honestly I’m not sure there is too much you can do to prevent tearing, but I can tell you that I had a very bad 4th degree tear (worst one my dr had seen) that required emergency surgery to repair. That being said, I required no pain meds, and my recovery really wasn’t that bad, so even if you do tear there is a good chance that it won’t be a horror story.

How to prevent tearing during birth?

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