Best ways to prevent tearing in birth – Part 1
Just so you know, pregnancy hormones cause the tissues of your cervix and perineum become extremely thick and elastic. This is a good thing. To prevent tearing or an episiotomy during birth, you’ve got to encourage that elasticity as much as you can. Of course, as you near birth, your cervix will efface (thin) but it will retain the elasticity you worked on during the pregnancy.
One: Good nutrition and hydration are vital. Make sure you get plenty of protein and Vitamins E (at least 1,000 mg per day) and C. Nuts and seeds, cold-pressed oils, and all types of beans are good to keep your skin healthy and elastic. Food sources of Vitamin E are: Wheat germ, sunflower seeds, almonds, pecans, safflower oil, peanuts, corn oil, soybean oil, and lobster. Blueberries, cherries, citrus fruits, pears, grapes, cabbage, legumes, plums, and onions are good, too.
Two: Prenatal exercise including yoga and Kegels. It is great for circulation, which keeps tissues elastic. A Kegel is the name of a pelvic floor exercise, named after Dr. Kegel who laid claim to the benefits of the exercise. These muscles, attached to the pelvic bone, act like a hammock, supporting your pelvic organs. Studies suggest that we shoud do about 200 Kegels a day. There are many variations of the exercise. An alternative is the
Elevator Kegel: tighten in increments, like an elevator going up and stopping at each floor (3-4 floors), then continuing down similarly.
Three: Have sex, especially orgasms. It helps increase blood flow to the area, benefiting the health and stretching ability of the tissues. As an added bonus, at the end of pregnancy, it’s believed that sperm actually softens the tissues and helps with effacement.
Four: Perform perineal massage daily. And what pray chance does this entail? Well, you may need to get over the thought of it. Afterwards, I personally felt like I was oiled, tenderized and ready for the roasting pan. But in the long run, it certainly helped - and that’s what counts, doesn’t it ladies?
Directions: Using pure almond, olive, Vitamin E or grape seed oil, or K-Y jelly, put one or two fingers about an inch to an inch and a half into the vagina. Gently stretch the lower part of your vagina, stretching the perineum, until you feel a slight burning or stinging sensation for a few minutes. Concentrate on relaxing the tissues through the stretch. Then, gently, massage your lower vagina with your thumbs for a few more minutes, avoiding the urinary opening. You can do this yourself, or ask your husband.
Stay tuned for Part 2 of this series that will tell you how to prevent tearing when you’re in labor and when pushing.
Also, I have two new stories of No Fear births to share with you soon!
Cheers and Blessings,
Jennifer