Tearing during childbirth is more common than you might think. Have you recently given birth? Wonderful! We hope everything went as smoothly as possible for both you and your baby, but we also know that's not always the case. Some may experience tearing during childbirth, making recovery especially important.

What does it mean to tear during childbirth?

Tearing during childbirth sounds very brutal. What physically happens when someone "tears" is that the actual exit hole where the baby comes out stretches so much that the muscles and tissue around it break. In short, it means that the skin and muscles from the perineum to the back or diagonally tear/break.

Why do women tear during childbirth?

Not everyone tears during childbirth. According to statistics from the National Board of Health and Welfare, about 80% of first-time mothers experience some form of tear during childbirth. The most common are superficial skin tears, which usually heal well over time. Larger tears that damage the outer and sometimes inner anal muscles affect about 3 percent.

Factors that increase the risk of tearing during childbirth:

1. First-time mothers have a greater risk of tearing during childbirth.

2. If the woman has vestibulitis/pain during intercourse.

3. If the baby has a high birth weight, 4000 grams and above.

4. If the baby has a large head circumference.

5. Deliveries that end with forceps or vacuum extraction.

6. Deliveries where external pressure, Kristeller's maneuver, is used.

7. If the pushing stage lasts more than 60 minutes.

How long does it take to heal?

The time it takes for the body to heal after tearing during childbirth depends on the type of tear. Tears begin to heal immediately after delivery and usually feel better with each passing day. Superficial tears can heal relatively quickly, often within a couple of weeks. Tears or splits in muscles and tissues can take several months to heal. The body heals and recovers from childbirth for up to a year.

What can I do myself if I tear during childbirth?

There are good tips and tricks on how to take care of yourself and your body after childbirth. Whether you have torn or not, there are things you can do to reduce pain. We collaborate with women's health physiotherapist Johanna Edström, who has given us her best tips on how to recover after childbirth. Read the post here: Tips for those who have torn during childbirth.

Can you prevent tearing during childbirth?

One method said to help prevent tearing during childbirth is to massage and thereby soften the perineum. This is called perineum massage, a very old method that has been used for a long time. Performing perineum massage from week 34 makes the skin around the vagina and perineum more supple and elastic. It also provides mental preparation for childbirth. Use a good pregnancy oil for perineum massage, such as our own Plume organic pregnancy oil.

Source: 1177