Preparation advice

[Katie1109]

Hi!
I’m 37+4 today and due to the fact our baby is on the small size I might be getting induced at some point next week after a growth scan.
What, if anything did you do to prepare for labour and anything specifically to avoid or minimise tearing? I’m absolutely petrified at the thought of labour and getting a serious tear. Please help 🙏

Have a Google of eating dates in late pregnancy. Also I heard perineal massage can help to avoid tears. Ultimately try not to worry too much, best of luck!

I agree with pp try not to worry. The best advice I can give though I know easier said than done when in labour but listen to your midwife when at the pushing stage. If she says push slowly then push slowly if she says small breaths then again small breaths. It might sound strange but as I was so nervous pushing I panicked and my midwife was a little sharp and said if you keep pushing like that and not listen you might tear and from then I listened and it actually made me more calm. I tore very slightly with my first because I panicked and didn't listen but even though I tore I never noticed and didn't need stitches as it was so small. My second was much better and no tear. Good luck

Following to see what advice you get as I'm now on the downward slope to an induction for a small baby too, I've had an induction before so I'd like to make it as likely to succeed as possible!

I was advised on another thread to try dates to help ripen cervix so I've bought some but haven't been able to bring myself to try them yet (soft dried fruit not my thing so I might look for a baking recipe or similar).

I'm going to get on my ball and bounce now to try to go before the induction but she does feel engaged anyway as of last couple of days. I've bought some raspberry leaf capsules and I'll start colostrum harvesting, I'm sure these things are a bit woo but I'm prepared to give them a go on the basis they can't hurt!

I had an episiotomy and a second degree tear with DD and honestly it was nowhere near as bad as I'd thought it would be recovering from those. A donut pillow to sit on was good and I guess it's time to put some padsicles in the freezer too- Google will give you the instructions OP but I think you can buy cold pack type things instead of you prefer, I just know I've got the kit to make them from last time.

Make sure you haven't left out your own comforts when packing your bag too as induction can take ages especially if your cervix isn't interested like mine wasn't. Lots of snacks and stuff to do on antenatal ward while you're waiting for stuff to happen!

Have a Google of eating dates in late pregnancy.

Wow, I've honestly never heard of that! It sounds really helpful 

Are you drinking plenty of Raspberry Leaf Tea as well @Katie1109?

Also agree with listening to you MW and trying your best to relax, easier said than done sometimes though.

I didn't tear with either of mine (and I'm on the small side) but had an episiotomy with DC1. IRS not the most pleasant experience but honestly, it's not the end of the world.

Having to have daily baths also gave me the chance to hand over DC1 and let him and DH have sone bonding time together