Tips on not ripping down there during labour?

[Lemonmiracle]

Hi, I'm currently pregnant with my 2nd baby and due at the end of the year.
With my first, I spontaneously went into (active) labour and my DD was born within 4 hours maybe less. She was tiny, 5lb 5 ounces with the smallest little head I've seen but the tearing and stitches was absoloute HELL. I WOULD LABOUR 50 TIMES OVER to avoid this again. I had 2 second degree tears toward the lower part of my vaj and had a clitoral tear which thankfully all healed but getting stitched was honestly so extremely painful that the midwives were actually getting annoyed at my reaction. Does anyone have any tips for not tearing down there I would really appreciate it

I didn't no, I did choose not to but if I had I wouldn't have had the option as I was 10cm dilated when I arrived at the hospital!! My best friend took the epidural for all 3 of her births and was very happy with her decision/had 0 side effects if that helps :)

Waterbirth. I tore with DD1 as midwives made me leave pool for pushing. Still furious. Had waterbirths with 2 and 3 and not even a graze. DS 3 was 9 pounds as well.