VAGINAL TEARING DURING CHILDBIRTH: My Experience + Tips for FUTURE MOMS | *REQUESTED*

Summary

In this video, Tashima shares her personal experience with vaginal tearing during childbirth. She discusses the emotional and physical challenges she faced, having experienced second-degree tears during both of her vaginal births. She reassures viewers that while the idea of tearing can be scary, it's often not as bad as expected, especially if you are prepared. Tashima explains the different degrees of tearing and offers tips for prevention, including labor position, instinctive pushing, and perineal massage. She encourages open conversation around childbirth experiences, helping others feel informed and less fearful about the process.

Takeaways

• 😀 Tearing during childbirth is a common experience, especially for first-time moms, but it’s usually not as bad as it seems.
• 😀 The speaker, Tashima, had two vaginal births with second-degree tears and found the recovery to be painful but manageable.
• 😀 Tearing happens due to stretching of the vaginal tissue during childbirth, and the likelihood increases for first-time moms or women with long or fast labors.
• 😀 Tashima did not feel the tear happening during labor, even with unmedicated births, as the focus is on contractions and pushing.
• 😀 The recovery time for second-degree tears was about 4-6 weeks, but Tashima felt her third tear healed faster in about two weeks.
• 😀 There are four degrees of vaginal tearing: first-degree (skin only), second-degree (skin and muscle), third-degree (muscles near the anus), and fourth-degree (rectal tear).
• 😀 The severity of tearing impacts recovery, with third- and fourth-degree tears requiring surgery and potentially causing pelvic floor issues.
• 😀 Fast births, the position of the baby, and assisted births (forceps or vacuum) can increase the risk of tearing.
• 😀 Preventing tearing may involve laboring in certain positions (e.g., hands and knees, squatting) to reduce pressure on the perineum.
• 😀 Pushing instinctively, when your body naturally urges you to, is believed to reduce the chances of tearing compared to coached pushing.
• 😀 Perineal massage, starting in the third trimester, may help prepare the vaginal area and reduce the risk of tearing during delivery.

Q & A

What was Tashima's experience with vaginal tearing during childbirth?

Tashima experienced second-degree vaginal tears during both of her successful VBACs. Although the recovery was painful, she felt more prepared for the second tear and found ways to manage the discomfort effectively.

How did Tashima manage her recovery from vaginal tearing?

Tashima took a gentle approach to recovery, using a Boppy pillow for comfort when sitting, avoiding any movements that might strain her stitches, and taking it easy for several weeks during her healing process.

What advice did Tashima offer to women concerned about tearing?

Tashima reassured women not to be overly worried about tearing. She explained that it usually isn’t as bad as it seems and that many women don’t even feel the tear during the birth process, especially if they have an unmedicated birth.

What are the different degrees of vaginal tearing and how do they differ?

There are four degrees of vaginal tearing: First-degree (superficial skin tears, mild discomfort), second-degree (involves skin and muscle, requires stitches), third-degree (extends to the anal area and may require surgery), and fourth-degree (tears through the rectum, requiring surgery and physical therapy).

Why do some women experience more tearing than others?

Factors such as the speed of labor, the baby's position, the use of assisted birth methods (like forceps or vacuum), and whether the woman has had previous vaginal births all affect the likelihood of tearing.

How can women prevent vaginal tearing during childbirth?

Women can reduce the risk of tearing by choosing labor positions that reduce pressure on the perineum, pushing instinctively rather than being coached, and doing perineal massage in the third trimester to help stretch the perineal area.

How does perineal massage help prevent tearing?

Perineal massage helps stretch the perineal area, making it more flexible and prepared for childbirth. This can reduce the likelihood of tearing during delivery.

What does Tashima recommend for women who are preparing for a natural birth?

Tashima recommends listening to your body and pushing instinctively during labor, as this can help prevent tearing. She also advises practicing perineal massage starting around 34 weeks of pregnancy to prepare the body.

What are the risks of a third-degree or fourth-degree tear?

Third-degree and fourth-degree tears are much more severe and may require surgery. Women who suffer these types of tears often face a longer recovery and may experience issues such as incontinence and pelvic floor dysfunction.

How did Tashima's perspective on tearing change after her second birth?

After her second birth, Tashima felt more empowered and prepared for the tear, as she had a better understanding of what to expect and how to manage her recovery. She felt that the process wasn’t as bad as she initially feared.