Prevent tearing?!

growingfamilyof4

Hey(: has anyone every tried different ways to prevent tearing during delivery. I didn't tear bad with the first just a few cuts here and there but would love to try something this time around to help prevent it! Sorry if this has been asked or talked about before!! Just figured I'd ask and see, sometimes reading it on Google isn't as much help as hearing it from Women who have actually tried! Thank you in advance (:

Stephij1

I don't have any advice, but I know this topis has been discussed before. Did you try searching the board with the search function at the bottom?

Mama-Bear

I've read a lot about this but for some reason it freaks me out:

https://www.google.com/search?q=perineum+massage&oq=perineum+&aqs=chrome.1.69i57j0l5.6876j0j4&sourceid=chrome&es_sm=93&ie=UTF-8&gws_rd=ssl

mandi195

I've heard lots of things, though I don't know the validity of any of them... lots of baths and being in a warm tub during labor, massage the area with oil, the massage mentioned bt PP, etc.

SKMotsinger

The perineum massage works great to prevent tearing during delivery. I've had two chilred without tearing due to this massage. My third I tore high and needed a few stitches. This is my fourth pregnancy and I am all ready doing the perineum massage to help during this labor as well.

Emeraldeyed315

Elbug said:

2nd degree plus peri urethral with my first - sucked bad. Recovery was rough. My 2nd I had zero tearing and bigger baby. Water birth with very well controlled pushing allowing myself to stretch saved me this last time.

This makes me feel better..I was afraid since I tore before the scar tissue would "automatically" mean I tear again. 

Ealdwic

Claraderm Young Living spray!

TwinsCitiesMomma

For those of you who have tried the perineal massage, any tips on doing it the first time?  DH doesn't want any part in it and I don't really want him to either so I'll be doing on my own.  I've looked up how to do it but just wondering what worked and what didn't for others.  Thanks!

amyhafner11

First baby i did tear (level 3) he was over 9 second baby was born in the water - he was smaller at 8 and no tear it was amazing. I did do perineal massage with my second. I believe I started at 34 weeks not sure if water birthing is available to u but it's pretty amazing.

crsanchez87

@‌ SKMotsinger How often do you do the massage?

biancakoz

I thought I read somewhere that perineum massage wasn't really effective after you had already given birth vaginally once. You have already stretched, so the massage won't really do much. Could be wrong though!

Kitta+1

I saw a thing on youtube where the midwife used a gauze pad to apply pressure to the perineum to support it and prevent tearing.  looked ok. 

mymanicuredmama

amyhafner11 said:

First baby i did tear (level 3) he was over 9 second baby was born in the water - he was smaller at 8 and no tear it was amazing. I did do perineal massage with my second. I believe I started at 34 weeks not sure if water birthing is available to u but it's pretty amazing.

This makes me want to try water birthing! I keep hearing great things!

BriDaily

Do Perineal Massage for the last couple of months of pregnancy. 

erashallbe

I've torn with both my boys, level 3 tears too, ouch!  I honestly did MANY things to try and prevent it, but both my boys insisted on greeting the world posterior, so that may be been the reason. 

But there are a number of things you can do.  I think keeping things moisturized down there is the best option because your skin and tissue can't stretch in the first place when they're dry.  Check out a few extra helps here.

I'd also say, DON'T push hard!  Often babies can be 'breathed' out and deliver on their own and you don't have to worry about the added pressure.  Best!

feenstas

My OB used a warm compress and oil during my last delivery but I still tore *and* had an episiotomy. (Not routine - she only does 1-2 a year.) We also did perineal massage during the final months. I don't think there's a surefire way to avoid damage down there, unfortunately. But you can try!