avoiding a tear - perineal massage

[EmmaKateWH]

Sorry - a TMI thread. I was just wondering whether doing perineal massage (or anything else) actually prevents you from tearing or needing an episiotomy? Or is it just one of those things that will either happen or it won't? Thanks!

Well yes it can help. But mode of delivery, head circumference, speed of delivery, position of baby, your position etc will also make a difference. As will a good midwife who tells you how and when to push or not push.

I was keen to avoid tearing or episiotomy but after a v long labour and dd's falling heartrate I needed an episiotomy for a ventouse attempt. At that point though, I couldn't have cared less.

It might help, but more important is your position, position of baby and speed of delivery. I did perineal massage each time.

With DD I was keen to avoid tearing so when she got distressed I wasn't pushing as hard as I could - it was only when they were moving me from the birth centre to the labour ward (along a corridor) and suddenly I didn't care about tearing (as likely I'd have needed episiotomy anyway) and so I pushed her out - she came out at great speed and so 2nd degree tear.

Was told my midwife that if I'd had epidural and was lying down would have needed episiotomy and forceps.

With DS1 - it was very slow and controlled - squatting in pool and no tears.

With DS2 - it was quick as I couldn't help myself but push (almost involuntary) - his passage down the birth canal took around 90 seconds and I ended up with 1st degree tear.

All three births upright (DD on birth stool, DS1 in pool, DS2 standing) so conclude its about speed of delivery really.

Don't know if it really makes a difference but it gave me the confidence to refuse an episiotomy when having DS. I only had a tiny 1cm tear nowhere near the perineum in the end, so, in my book, it works!

I did it with all three of mine and I didn't tear. I also refused to be cut with my first (when I saw her holding the scissors I made more effort to push!), a midwife had told me to chance it as I could end up cut when I wouldn't have torn anyway. She also said that if you listen to the midwife when you are pushing, do the panting etc it will reduce the chance of a tear.
I guess though that some are luckier than others and you just don't know!

No idea, but I did perineal massage for all 3 of mine, first 2 were around the 8lb mark, and third 10lb 4.5oz, no tears (or episiotomy) with any of them, so I would say it's definitely worth a go.

I did it,DS1 9lbs 7oz,DS2 10lbs 11oz.Upright for first,lying for second,no epidurals.Pant when she tells you too,DON'T PUSH! No stitches or tears.