Vaginal Tears During Birth: Prevention, Healing, and What to Expect

Vaginal tears are one of the most common parts of birth that expecting mothers are not prepared for. More than half of women experience some degree of tearing during a vaginal birth, and the rates are even higher for first-time mothers. The good news is that there are evidence-based strategies you can use during pregnancy and labor to reduce your risk. This episode covers what tearing is, how common it is, what the different degrees mean, and what factors increase your risk. You will learn about perineal massage, warm compresses, labor positions, and other methods backed by research. If you do experience a tear or an episiotomy, there is a lot you can do to promote healing and make yourself more comfortable. Whether you are planning your first birth or preparing for another, understanding your options puts you in a better position to prevent tearing and recover well if it happens.

Full article and resources for this episode: https://pregnancypodcast.com/vaginaltears/

 

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