tearing - how to avoid

[micegg]

I know this one has been done before but I just want your advice please. I had a second degree tear with DC1. It wasnt too bad and healed nicely with stitching. I was pushing whilst lying down and had had an epidural (only 40 mins of pushing so not bad). DH says DD shot out . I am about to have DC2 and would like to avoid tearing. Am I more or less likely to tear with second birth? If I avoid an epidural will I be less likely to tear? What positions are best to avoid tearing?

i think less likely

i tore 1st and 3rd time, but no stitches 3rd time, and it was fine.

both times i was so shocked at the amount of pain involved at transition that I pushed the baby out in under a minute. somehow this wasn't the case 2nd time...

would have thought all fours or upright good for avoiding tearing, but do you have that option with epidural? (never had one)

I was told I couldnt be upright with the epidural. I am thinking of a HB though so this may not be an option.Even if I go into hosp I have been told I might not need or get an epidural due to speed of 2 nd labour. Thats assuming it is indeed quicker (10 hours with first).

I tore badly with DS1 but havn't with my 2 subsequent pregnancies, tears are usually caused by pushing to quickly.

I had an epidural with DS1 and had no pain relief with 2&3 and was on all fours for both

Hi

Positions that are good include all fours, or kneeling. Squatting is good for speed but can put additional pressure on perineum I think.

Homebirthers ofter kneel, I squatted with my first and kneeled with my second both hb. I did actually tear the first time, in retrospect it was all a bit too fast!

The second time I tried really hard, I felt my ds begin to crown and really controlled my breathing and pushing to a very gradual movement. I had my hand on his hand and that gave me more sense of control.

Unfortunatly I still tore because head was out, mw said great no tear now just one big push to get the body out and.... little bugger got me with his elbow on the way out. doh!

You can also try perineal massage. Just get some unscented plain oil, and massage aroung the base of your vaginal opening everyday this is reputed to soften the tissues and make them easier to stretch.

If you do go into hospital you may be able to get a mobile epidural which would mean you could still move about and be upright.

Hi micegg,

I'm running a thread to see if this product here actually works.

You can use it pre birth to stretch and afterwards to work pelvic floor muscles.

www.epino.de/birth.htm

My doc in Germany recommended it.

It's said to reduce tearing by 50%.

More people I've known who've torn have had an epidural. I think a big part of it is about control - if you can feel the crowning, slow down and follow the midwife's instructions, then you're less likely to tear. With an epidural I imagine you're more likely to tear because you can't feel what's happening so can't have the same level of control Of course there are no guarantees - I tore without an epidural, but I would definitely suggest being in control and staying upright will help.