Here's how to keep the vagina from tearing during childbirth & bull; hello healthy

Normal childbirth is not something that is easy to do, even though it is actually a natural occurrence. Sometimes, during a normal delivery, some measures have to be taken to make the baby's passage easier. For example, episiotomy or better known as vaginal scissors, but this does not apply to every delivery.

Some women who don't get an episiotomy may experience vaginal tearing. This is something that is common during normal childbirth. However, both an episiotomy and vaginal tearing during childbirth can be avoided.

How to keep the vagina from tearing during normal delivery?

Vaginal tears are common. Nearly 90% of women experience vaginal tearing during childbirth, but most have only minor tears. Vaginal tearing occurs because the baby's head descends under the vagina and moves into the perineum during labor. However, if the skin of the vagina and perineum (the area between the vagina and anus) has not stretched enough, then the push on the baby's head can tear the vagina. If the doctor thinks that the vaginal tear will be large, then you may get an episiotomy.

If you are afraid of both of these, don't worry. You can do the steps below to reduce your risk of getting an episiotomy or vaginal tearing.

1. Prepare your body for labor

Yes, giving birth is something you have to prepare in advance. Starting from physical preparation to mental preparation. To prepare your body, you may need to do regular exercise.

Apart from keeping your body in shape, exercise can also improve your blood circulation. This can then help you improve skin elasticity. Kegel exercises or pelvic floor exercises can also strengthen your pelvic floor muscles, thereby helping you during labor.

Apart from exercise, you also need to eat healthy foods to ensure that your nutritional needs are properly met. Good nutrition and hydration can support the health of your skin and muscles. This can support stretching of the perineal muscles during childbirth and the body's recovery after childbirth. Some of the important nutrients that you are good at fulfilling are good fats (especially omega-3 fatty acids), protein, vitamin E, vitamin C, zinc.

2. Massage the perineum

Perineal massage during pregnancy can help prepare your perineum for delivery so you reduce the risk of vaginal tearing. The perineum itself is the area between your vaginal opening and your anal canal.

Perineal massage can also prevent you from having an episiotomy. Not only helps with physical problems, perineal massage during pregnancy can also increase a woman's confidence in her body's ability to stretch and deliver a baby.

3. Pay attention to your position during childbirth

Your position during childbirth has a considerable influence on the possibility of vaginal tearing. Lying with your legs raised or in a semi-reclined position can put pressure on the tailbone and perineum, increasing the chance of a vaginal tear.

Find your most comfortable position during delivery. You are free to move around during labor to find your best position. The recommended position to reduce the chance of vaginal tearing is to lie facing your left side.

4. Regulate your breathing and know when to push

Before pushing to push your baby out, it is best to adjust your breathing properly. Relax, follow your instincts to push and also follow the instructions given by your doctor. There are times when you have to push and also when you have to take a breath.

Straining when not needed will only increase your risk of experiencing vaginal tearing. You also don't have to push full force your whole body while holding your breath. This can actually reduce the supply of oxygen to you and your baby.

Worse, it can also block the back flow of your blood causing swelling. You may inhale, then push while holding your breath. However, to prevent tearing, you should exhale slowly as you push.

When the baby's head touches your vagina, you may feel a stinging sensation and pressure. However, don't rush into pushing to get your baby out. Wait until your perineum is completely stretched so that it fits the size of your baby's head. If it is forced when your perineum is not fully stretched, your vagina may tear.

5. Use a warm compress

Once your baby has descended to the pelvic floor and is about to come out, a warm compress may help reduce the chance of vaginal tearing. The warmth can increase blood flow to the perineal area and help relax your vaginal muscles. This helps you to reduce pain.