What things contribute to who TEARS? Is there any rhyme or reason?

[Leilababyno1]

I am curious to know what things determine which women will tear and which women won't during childbirth??

Does babies weight make a difference or is it based purely on head size?

For example will a 9lbs baby make a tear more likely than a 6lbs baby being delivered vaginally?

Which ladies on MumsNet have torn and to what degree versus women who haven't? Does it make a difference if you are more petite compared to a taller lady?

What are the stats? And can a tear be avoided?

Ps I have no strethmarks at all, if that bit of info helps!

i didn't tear or get stretchmarks
no massage thingy

Don't push in between contractions.

My impatience to meet DD led to quite a few stitches.

I had 2nd degreee tear with ds- 2 hours pushing, just under 7lb but he had hand by his head. 1st degree tear with dd1 1 hour pushing, 8lb 2, no tear with dd2, 10 mins pushing, 7.5 lb. I am 5-8 with size 7 feet. No stretch marks, no massage. Epidural with all 3.
IMO it's luck.

Had loads of stretchmarks. Am 5 foot 8, size 8 feet. Didn't do any perineum massage.

DD1 was almost 9lb, tore very badly, had loads of stitches internally and externally.

DD2 around 7lb mark. No tearing, but had several grazes, no stitches.

I think DD1, ahem, paved the way for DD2