Can Vaginal Tears During Childbirth Be Prevented? - Mayo Clinic

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  • Keep the perineum warm. The area between the opening of the vagina and the anus is called the perineum. Placing a warm, damp cloth on this area during the pushing stage of labor may help the tissue stretch more easily.
  • Use perineal massage. During the pushing stage of labor, a member of your healthcare team may place two fingers of a lubricated gloved hand just inside your vagina and move them from side to side. This is called perineal massage. It puts mild, downward pressure on that area and can help to stretch it. Doing perineal massage at home at the end of your third trimester also may help the tissue stretch more easily during labor.
  • Control your pushing. Aim for controlled, consistent pushing. If you can, try not to push down hard all at once while the baby's head is coming through the vaginal opening. Pushing gently and slowly can give the tissue time to stretch.

    • If you're concerned about vaginal tears during childbirth, talk to your healthcare professional. Ask what the care team does to prevent vaginal tears. Talk about what you can do to help prepare for delivery and lower your risk of tears.

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    July 09, 2024 Show references
    1. Aasheim V, et al. Perineal techniques during the second stage of labour for reducing perineal trauma. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. http://cochranelibrary-wiley.com/doi/10.1002/14651858.CD006672.pub3/full. Accessed Dec. 12, 2023.
    2. Funai EF, et al. Labor and delivery: Management of the normal second stage. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Accessed Dec. 13, 2023.
    3. Arnold MJ, et al. Obstetric lacerations: Prevention and repair. American Family Physician. 2021; https://www.clinicalkey.com. Accessed Dec. 13, 2023.
    4. Prevention and management of obstetric lacerations at vaginal delivery: ACOG Practice Bulletin No. 198. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. https://www.acog.org/clinical/clinical-guidance/practice-bulletin/articles/2018/09/prevention-and-management-of-obstetric-lacerations-at-vaginal-delivery. Accessed Dec. 13, 2023.
    5. Medical review (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic. Dec. 20, 2023.
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    See also

    1. Episiotomy: When it's needed, when it's not
    2. Fetal presentation before birth
    3. High-risk pregnancy: Know what to expect
    4. Home birth: Know the pros and cons
    5. Inducing labor: When to wait, when to induce
    6. Labor and delivery: Pain medications
    7. Labor positions
    8. Placenta: How it works, what's normal
    9. Repeat C-sections
    10. Signs of labor: Know what to expect
    11. Stages of labor and birth: Baby, it's time!
    12. Tailbone pain
    13. The epidural block
    14. Vaginal tears in childbirth
    15. VBAC: Know the pros and cons
    16. Water breaking: Understand this sign of labor
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