Things you can do to reduce tearing during childbirth
Hi everyone! I am Jamie Sheaffer. I am an occupational therapist that specializes in women’s pelvic health and pregnancy and postpartum recovery.
I want to spread the word to women that there are steps you can take to actually reduce tearing during childbirth- specifically grades 3 and 4. Until I was a pelvic health therapist, I really had no idea and just “winged it” and ended up with severe tearing during my deliveries.
Prevention is key to pelvic floor health. Let us actually work to prevent the tearing that leads to pelvic floor dysfunction and into my office as a patient.
Let’s start here:
What is perineal tearing?
I know this sounds scary, but it’s important to know that some degree of tearing occurs in up to 80% of women during childbirth. Perineal tearing refers to a tear in the perineum (tissue between the vaginal opening and the anus) that occurs during childbirth. It can lead to complications such as infection, prolonged healing, and bowel or bladder incontinence. Other types of tears that may occur include: periurethral tears, clitoral and peri-clitoral tears, labial tears, sulcus tears and vaginal wall tears.
Nothing you would like to experience? Not to worry, there are several, evidence-based ways to reduce the severity of perineal tearing.
Birthing positions- know which birth positions increase or decrease your chance of tearing. Hint The common lithotomy position when you lay on your back with your feet up does not allow your sacrum to move and increases your chance of tearing.
Perineal Massage- to be completed before and during labor. Before labor, you can actually do a perineal massage yourself with some simple steps. During labor, you can request your provider to perform it for you.
Diaphragmatic breathing- deep 360-degree breathing down into your pelvic floor. This allows your pelvic muscles to relax during birth and reduces tearing.
Prenatal stretching and exercises- movement is good! Movement in all planes of motion is even better. Think of this as your warm-up/stretch prior to an athletic event. We warm up to reduce injuries during a soccer game, the same goes for childbirth.
Warmth- it helps the muscles and tissue to relax. Add a warm compress or labor in a warm tub during labor.
Need more info? Checkout my childbirth prep course! It’s online and on-demand for you to access anytime, anywhere.
