2006-10-15 07:48:27 · 21 answers · asked by crabbit 2 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Pregnancy
Well, you can try massaging almond oil on your perinium in the weeks leading up to the birth but to be honest it doesn't work. I did that religously during my first pregnancy, still tore and needed stitches. Just remember to listen to the midwife as you push the baby out, take it slowly, give the vagina a chance to stretch slowly around the baby's head, this will minimise the risk of tearing. Only push during a contraction and pant in between. And remember, even if you do tear you may not need stitches. Personally, after the nightmare I had after my first baby I refused stitches with my second and third and healed much quicker. Good luck :)
2006-10-15 07:58:21 · answer #1 · answered by loreleilee23 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Perineal massage during pregnancy is thought to help, although nothing conclusive has been shown by studies, other than the fact that episiotomies do NOT help as previously thought.
That being said, there is more to perineal massage than rubbing some olive oil on your perineum. Here is a link to instructions for perineal massage: http://www.childbirth.org/articles/massage.html
As for perineal massage during the pushing stage of labor, although some mothers and care providers swear by it, it can actually cause the perineal tissue to be irritated and swell, the opposite of the desired effect. What's more helpful and more comfortable for mom is very warm compresses, i.e. warm, wet, clean washcloths, held on the perineum as she bears down. This actually feels good to mom, and the warm water can help the skin of the perineum be more stretchy.
Although I would prefer not to tear at all, my pretty extensive tear after my first birth healed up beautifully, and never really gave me a problem. Hope you have a wonderful labor and delivery!
2006-10-15 15:24:18 · answer #2 · answered by carrie_moonbeam73 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There reallyis no way to avoid tearing I'm sorry to say, but not everyone tears. If you do it will be because the baby is bigger then your perineum is able to stretch, it's not a big deal but the thought.... ouch. I tore with my first child, it wasn't a big deal, I didn't really feel it because it happened during a contraction while I was pushing. The only thing I did feel was the soreness of it after wards and the itching a it healed. Relax and try not to stress over it. PS... I didn't tear with any of my later births, so I guess once was OK, but glad didn't have it happen again.
2006-10-15 07:53:57 · answer #3 · answered by kim h 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I've seen alot of evidence that if the doctor gives you a episotomy(spelling??) you are much more likely to tear on top of the cut, then if you are not cut at all. I really don't think there is much you can do to prepare, but in some cases the nurse/midwife might do a perineum massage while you are in labour with some Vaseline to try to get the skin ready to be stretched.
2006-10-15 07:53:40 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
To be honest i don`t think it cant be prevented its just one of those things , not all perineal tears need stitched though some are better left to heal themselves . I had a 7.15lb baby and although i did tear the midwife said it wasn`t worth stitching . Just make sure if you do you have lots of hot salty baths , loooovely .
They are extremely soothing .
2006-10-15 08:53:38 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Massage works well, but a tear is not the end of the world. If it's that or an episiotomy. Healing is often better with a tear, as the edge has a greater surface area, and heals quicker...
2006-10-15 07:57:21 · answer #6 · answered by Michelle G 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They told me not to push so hard, as it's the sudden movement that makes the tearing. You should let the skin stretch naturally or something.
Naturally, I couldn't be doing with all that, I just had to get the baby out! So of course I tore, but it was no bad thing. They stitched me up smaller than I was before ;-)
It's typical of me that the only place I've ever had stitches is in my fanjita...
2006-10-15 08:05:39 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
massage is the only way i can think of..but there isnt really anything u can do..if ur gonna tear ur gonna tear! i found it not as bad as i thought it would be..i was concentrating on my contractions and pushing,i could feel a slight burning as i teared but that was it..by baby was 8lb 1oz so if a big baby wasnt that bad u should be ok.
you will soon forget all out stitches once bubs is born!
2006-10-15 10:18:05 · answer #8 · answered by yummy_mummy 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
obviously it depends on your size versus the size of the baby! but regular daily massage of the perineal area with a good quality cocoa butter significantly reduces the risk of tearing, improves healing, and is jolly good fun during those pregnancy months!!!
2006-10-15 07:57:57 · answer #9 · answered by mark_virgin 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The advice i've been given is to massage you perenium for the last couple of weeks of your pregnancy, with something like almond oil.
Also, during the birth you should remember that the midwife tells you to stop pushing for a reason. It's so your cervix can stretch naturally (this is generally when she asks you to stop pushing and pant) as hard as it may be, try to stop pushing when she tells you to, it really minimises the chances of you tearing.
I hope it goes well for you, i'm due in a couple of days and I'm going to try my best to practice what I preach !
2006-10-15 08:07:43 · answer #10 · answered by Gail H 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋