In this blog I want to give you the best tips for decreasing your chances of vaginal tears and receiving an episiotomy. First let’s discuss the statistics for having this happen to you. According to The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (2016), 53-79% of births result in some degree of vaginal tearing and episiotomies are performed in about 12% of births. Take note, first time vaginal delivering mamas have a higher incidence of tears and episiotomies. Also, mamas are less likely to have a vaginal tear with each subsequent birth. (Yay for that!)
That is a high chance of occurrence of vaginal tearing. So what can you do to decrease your chance of this from happening during your birth? Let’s discuss how exactly you can decrease your chances of vaginal tearing or having an unnecessary episiotomy.
(In no particular order)…
First. Choose a provider that has a low rate of episiotomies (look for a rate of less than 15%). The provider should be able to provide this information to you if you ask for it. Take this recommendation very seriously mamas.
Second. Don’t underestimate the power of healthy eating. This has a direct relation to the health of your tissues and its proper function and response to the stress of birth. It will help your tissues stretch and also heal postpartum.
Third. Consider perineal massage. Talk to your provider about this before you implement. You would start in the last few weeks of pregnancy. Perineal massage consists of massaging the inner tissues of your lower vagina. Perineal massage is not shown in research to significantly decrease your chance of tears but it could help. Therefore, it is worth it for some mamas to give it a try. It is also thought to enhance your body’s cervical ripening hormones which would help prepare and soften your cervix for labor. Perineal massage may help you practice relaxing your pelvic floor while feeling the pressure of the massage, teaching you how to respond to pressure with relaxation. This could be helpful for labor. Doing this a few times a week can be enough to make a difference in your vaginal tissue response during your birth.
Fourth. Use the best pushing practices I tell you about in my Push Smarter Not Harder Blog.
Fifth. Use pushing positions that allow your pelvic floor the most relaxation. Use side lying, kneeling, leaning over, or hands and knees variations. I talk more about movement and positioning in labor in my free birth preparation webinar coming fall 2020!
Sixth. Take care to really listen to directions given to you by your birth team while pushing. Pause and just breathe when told to stop pushing. Pause and just breathe when you feel the burning ring of fire as your baby’s head is crowning.
Seventh. Ask your birth team to apply a warm compress to your vagina while you are pushing. This is thought to promote blood flow and help the tissues cope as they stretch.
Well there you have it girlfriend. Quick and to the point. I hope you feel inspired to implement these tips. Come say hello on social media and I’ll talk to you there soon!
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