Preventing tearing?

Question

I’ll be having my first baby soon and I’m super scared about tearing. I know it’s basically inevitable but is there anything I can do to prepare? I worry so much because I am quite small down there and I just don’t want everything to rip open 😭

Answer

Tearing isn't the worst thing ever and is quite common. The best thing I can recommend is relaxing and learning to relax that area specifically. Fear causes tension causes pain so relaxation is key. When you tear it is literally a split second of pain right at the end, then you meet baby so you forget pretty quick. They use localized anesthetics and stitch you up so you don't feel that at all. With a vaginal delivery there is lots of swelling and general pain and the healing is tough either way. Everything usually heals up just fine and isn't permanently an issue.

Answer

I did nothing to try to prevent tearing. I ended up barely tearing and only needed like 1-2 stitches. I think it has to do with when the baby is literally coming out. I kinda remember my OB yelling out to just slightly push when my daughter was starting to come out. But you know… in the moment after pushing hard for 2 hours and having an epidural and not feeling everything down there, maybe I didn’t push as lightly as I could have.

Answer

i was nervous about tearing too, i had to push for almost 2 hours but i didn’t tear.. it’s honestly nothing you can do to prevent it.

Answer

Your tissues are made to stretch but they’re also made to heal easily after a tear, so try not to worry about it too much!
There are a few things that can help reduce the chance of tearing. Gradual labor progression (so without medical induction or augmentation), birthing in water, not getting an epidural, and pausing during crowning, keeping your face relaxed during pushing (floppy face, floppy fanny) and perineal counter pressure during crowning can all help reduce the severity or occurrence of tears.

Answer

I wouldn’t say tearing is inevitable! I didn’t tear with my first. Listen to your body and push only when it says to and not when someone else tells you to, medical interventions cause tearing statistically so avoiding induction and epidural drugs decreases odd of tearing, labor in a comfortable position (not on your back as it closes pelvic girdle, causes more painful contractions, and increases tearing), and push in water if you can. These are all scientifically backed up! Some say perinatal massage but science says it doesn’t make a difference and it’s uncomfortable (if you do it right), so I didn’t feel the need to try it. Youve got this warrior mama! 💪

Answer

I have friends that had success with starting perineal massages in the last few weeks of pregnancy!

Answer

Kegels.
And push slow. Like don't force it, if there is no hurry. Let it go like it wants to. (Like when pooping whil you are constipated. Sometimes letting it come works way better than pushing really hard. 🤷‍♀️)

Answer

I'm due with my first soon too and I'm also worried but my tips are I'm going to trry my very best to relax as much as possible and use gravity to my advantage, either laboring on all fours or in an upright position. Other than that I have no other ways to try and prevent but just know the more you relax and let your body take over the less likely you will tear badly

Preventing tearing?

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