What are some good ways to prevent tearing while giving birth?

Question

I'm so scared! I will do anything to prevent tearing.

Answer 1

You could do kegal exercises pre-labour.

Every woman should do kegals. They are simple and fun, especially during s*x.

Do them all the time, while washing dishes, walking thru the grocery store, sitting at a stop light. EVERYWHERE!!

Answer 2

Practice squatting every day at least a few times.  It stretches that area which will help in preventing tearing.

Answer 3

That is beyond your control....with my first child I tore so bad I had 32 stitches...with my second baby I didn't tear at all...she just came on out. It was the size of my first baby's head that tore me so bad...it really is beyond your control...but if it looks like you might tear the Dr. will cut you....

Answer 4

From what I know there really isn't anything to stop tearing, however, minimizing it always works.  When my son was born I wanted DRUGS (who doesn't) but there was no time so instead I had laughing gas.  I highly recommend it as you do feel everything that is going on so it minimizes your tearing, BUT (and here is the perk) you don't feel the pain.  It is a beautiful thing.  The next day I was up running around after having him.  

Answer 5

If you're looking for no tearing, avoid an episiotomy at all costs! an episiotomy is when they cut, yes with scissors, your perineum, the area between your v****a and a**s. Think of it this way: if you took the bottom of the leg on a pair of jeans and tried to rip it, what would happen? Not a lot, unless you are exceptionally strong. Now take a pair of scissors and cut just a small bit up the same pair of jeans and try to rip. You could rip all the way up! The best advice I've heard on avoiding tearing is to have someone rub mineral oil on your perineum during labor. Lubricate the area and massage. Don't let them cut it, it will only lead to MORE tearing. Good luck!

Answer 6

kegal exercises, and have someone massage your perrinial area while you're in transition, and baby is descending.  

Answer 7

usually the doctor will massage it and sometime they use a oil. and just in circular motion as you are in labor they will give a perineal massage to keep you from tearing thats what they did with my first child and i didnt tear!  Good luck and congrats with the baby!!!

Answer 8

Massage....other than that, you can always request an episiotomy.  

Really, though, if you are going to tear, you'll tear.  Unless it's 3rd or above degree tear, it's easily fixed.  You won't even feel it.

Answer 9

I was taught prenatal perineal massage in childbirth class.  Starting in the 34th week you or someone else massages and stretches the perineum.  Do this every day.  It really does help.

Answer 10

kegel exercises

but there is no sure way to prevent tearing if it happens it happens