How Can I Prevent Vaginal Tearing During Labor?

Childbirth isn’t an especially glamorous or comfortable experience. Most delivery stories are filled with anecdotes of blood, sweat and vaginal tearing but that doesn’t mean there aren’t ways to minimize the discomfort and physical effects of childbirth.

Cuts or tearing during delivery is common. Most women — 53-79 percent, says Dr. Jamie Markus — “will sustain some type of laceration [during] vaginal delivery, with most being first-degree and second-degree lacerations.”

Although the topic may be too much for the squeamish, learning more about how to prevent vaginal tearing during labor can help set expectations, adds Markus, who specializes in obstetrics and gynecology at Mission Hospital in Mission Viejo, CA.

Understanding Vaginal Tearing During Childbirth

“These tears occur when a baby’s head is either too large for the vaginal opening or when it isn’t able to easily stretch,” she said. “Moms-to-be should be aware that tearing is common and might happen during their labor and delivery.”

The good news is there are plenty of ways women can decrease the chances of lacerations during labor and delivery. Preventative measures can even start in the early days of pregnancy.

“Women who exercise regularly during pregnancy have easier and less painful delivery experiences which aids in avoiding tears,” said Dr. Amir G. Nasseri, who has an OBGYN practice in Santa Ana, CA.

Exercises and Techniques to Prevent Vaginal Tearing

In addition to hitting the gym, Markus recommends Kegel exercises leading up to the birth. “Regularly doing squats, where you stand with your legs shoulder-width apart and squat down to a 90-degree angle, helps to prepare your pelvic floor muscles for delivery, widening the opening for your baby to pass through.”

To help expand the opening before labor, lubrication and massage are often employed. “Rubbing sunflower, olive, coconut or vitamin E oil into the skin between your vaginal opening and anus beginning at 34 weeks can help,” Markus said. “Your doctor might also give you a perineal massage or apply warm compresses when you reach the second or pushing stages of labor.”

While also noting the importance of lubrication before and during labor, Nasseri breaks down his methods behind patience, control and stretching.

“Focused breathing is very helpful too — talking to the mom during labor and allowing her to feel safe, in control, and encouraging meditation techniques of positive thinking,” he added. “These exercises are best practiced prior to delivery time during pregnancy, so mom is ready ahead of time.”

Pain Management Options During Labor

When considering pain management during labor and delivery, the option of getting epidural anesthesia is commonly part of the discussion. The American Pregnancy Association says it’s the most popular method of pain relief during labor.

Although some moms-to-be may worry that getting the epidural shot may make them feel less in control, leading to more tearing, Nasseri says that the opposite is actually true.

“The epidural is usually very positive, as it calms the mom and allows her to be in better control, and not try to just push as hard as she can to simply end the process and the pain,” he said. “I always encourage my patients to get an epidural, unless they are specifically opposed to it for personal reasons.”

Despite precautions that women may take, tears during labor and delivery are still a possibility. Nasseri says recovery can typically take four to six weeks, and most heal without long-term consequences. Regular sitz baths and warm compresses also can help speed up recovery so you can happily bond with your newborn.