How do I protect my perineum?

A warm compress can reduce the chances of more severe perineal tearing. There is no good research to show that the midwife using her hands to put pressure on the perineum leads to less perineal trauma in a normal physiological birth. Waterbirth may be protective for the perineum.

How do I avoid the perineum from tearing?

What is perineal protection?

A 'hands-on' birth

This is called manual perineal protection, or a 'hands on birth'. Manual perineal protection can be provided in any birth position, apart from in the water or on a birthing stool. It is only used for a short period, during the birth of your baby and it can help to reduce the severity of tearing.

How can I make my perineum wound heal faster?

Do your pelvic floor exercises. This helps increase the blood flow to the area and speed up the healing process. Doing pelvic floor exercises will also help strengthen the muscles around the vagina and the anus, which should help improve any issues controlling your bowels.

How do I know if my perineal tear is infected?

Preventing Perineal Tears: OB/GYN Shares Evidence and Tips About Protecting Your Bottom

How do you heal a perineal scratch?

What can I use to massage my perineum?

How can I push during labor without tearing?

To decrease the severity of vaginal tearing, try to get into a labor position that puts less pressure on your perineum and vaginal floor, like upright squatting or side-lying, Page says. Hands-and-knees and other more forward-leaning positions can reduce perineal tears, too.

How can I prevent episiotomy?

Can Kegels prevent tearing?

One recent study found that pairing Kegels (also known as pelvic floor muscle contractions) with perineal massage aided in protecting the pelvic floor. People who did perineal massage and Kegels: Increased the chance of having no tearing at all from 6% to 17%.

Why do hospitals make you give birth on your back?

"Most hospitals and providers prefer this position because of the ease of the doctor being able to sit at the feet of the woman, and the way in which hospital beds are designed to transform into a semi reclined or flat laying position," Biedebach explains.

Is it better to have an episiotomy or tear?

natural tearing. Research has shown that moms seem to do better without an episiotomy, with less risk of infection, blood loss (though there is still risk of blood loss and infection with natural tears), perineal pain and incontinence as well as faster healing.

Can I deliver baby without episiotomy?

An episiotomy is usually not needed in a healthy birth without any complications. Experts and health organizations such as ACOG and the World Health Organization (WHO) only recommend an episiotomy if it is medically necessary.

Is episiotomy better than C section?

In some emergency circumstances where a baby needs to be delivered quickly, Levy said an episiotomy can be a lifesaving procedure that is less risky than a Cesarean section delivery, which is a major surgery.

How do you breathe while giving birth?

Will I tear again with second baby?

The report found that among women who had a vaginal delivery at second birth, the rate of a severe tear was 7.2% in women with a tear at first birth, compared to 1.3% in women without, a more than five-fold increase in risk.

Can you use Vaseline for perineal massage?

Conclusion: The findings showed that the perineal massage with Vaseline in the second stage of labor increases perineal integrity and decreases perineal traumas (episiotomy and tears). So, it seems that the perineal massage could be an effective way to preserve an intact perineum in labor.

How many times a week should I massage my perineum?

Try to start with a few minutes at a time, then build up to doing it for ten minutes, three to four times a week. Perineal massage can also help tone the muscles after birth. Start gentle massage as soon as you feel comfortable, once any stitches or tears have healed.

Can you use coconut oil on your perineum?

Coconut oil for perineal massage

The perineum is the area between your vulva and anus that must stretch during a vaginal birth. Massaging regularly with a moisturizing oil, like coconut oil, may help prevent vaginal tearing.

Can I put Vaseline on my private area?

Lubricate the vagina with a non-prescription lubricant, such as Astroglide or K-Y Jelly, prior to having intercourse. Avoid using petroleum jelly, such as Vaseline, because it increases the risk of vaginal irritation and infection.

Can you put Vaseline on the outside of your vag?

Petroleum jelly is a wonderful moisturizer to use on the vulva after bathing and can be used anytime for comfort. Do not use petroleum jelly with condoms—it can break down the condom so it gets holes in it. A lukewarm or warm bath can be soothing. Do not put any soaps, bubble bath, or oils in the water.

Can I put Neosporin on my private area?

Neosporin isn't recommended as a topical antibiotic due to its risk of allergic reaction. Only apply these ointments if the cuts are in the outer area around your vulva and its labia.

Can you feel epidural tears?

Take away: One study shows that epidurals increase the risk of tearing. Another says that the reason more tearing occurs with epidurals is that more first time moms choose epidurals and first vaginal deliveries are already associated with a higher risk of tearing.

Does epidural increase chance of episiotomy?

found that women undergoing epidural analgesia are associated with a higher rate of episiotomy [19]. Another study by MG Newman found that epidural analgesia increased the rate of episiotomy [20].

Does episiotomy make you tighter?

The progress and research surrounding episiotomies goes hand in hand with getting sewn up tighter after birth. Yes, getting sewn up tighter was a thing. And it sometimes still occurs.