This is a really common subject at JustExhale. We cover the topic often in the classes that I run and although tearing can be a daunting thought, it isn’t worth fretting over beforehand.
A little vaginal tearing in labour is common but it is rarely as scary as it sounds. For starters, it is very uncommon for a woman to feel themselves tearing in labour due to the pressure at this stage of birthing your baby.
The 4 classifications of tearing in labour.
There are 4 classifications of tear. The most common tears are the first and second degree.
First-degree tears involve only the perineal skin and sometimes tissue directly underneath the skin. These types of tears often heal really well without repair and do not need any stitches at all.
Second-degree tears are a little deeper and will involve skin and muscle. Therefore, these tears often benefit from stitches and will heal really well with lots of rest.
Third-degree tears extend into the muscle that surrounds the anal sphincter. These sometimes require repair in surgery.
Fourth-degree tears are the most severe and also the rarest. A fourth-degree tear will extend to the rectum. This will require extensive repair and a longer recovery period.
Third and Fourth degree tears, although severe, are uncommon.
Healing from birth takes time, no matter how the birth happens, it is an enormous physical undertaking. You deserve this time to rest postnatally, you need time to recuperate, to get to know your baby, make sure that you are well rested and as well looked after as possible.
How can we reduce the risk of tearing in labour?
There have been a number of studies that show that regular perineal massage in the last 4 weeks of pregnancy can reduce the rates of perineal trauma and episiotomies.
Perineal massaging 3 times a week can really make a big difference. It’s easy to do yourself in the comfort of your own home.
Make sure that you wash your hands before massaging, that your nails are short and use a natural oil such as olive or coconut.
Birth positioning can also make a significant difference in preventing tears during childbirth too, this is something we talk extensively about in the JustExhale antenatal and Hypnobirthing classes. More updates can be seen on our Instagram page: Pregnancy Yoga & Hypnobirthing (@sallyjustexhale) • Instagram photos and videos