Natural childbirth is a scientifically sound delivery method beneficial for both mother and baby. However, it also carries a high risk of perineal tears. Expectant mothers opting for natural birth should begin perineal tear prevention measures during late pregnancy.
Methods for Preventing Perineal Tears
Encourage women planning pregnancy to engage in regular exercise and physical activity before conception to enhance skin and muscle elasticity and prevent excessive weight gain.
Strengthen prenatal health education and dissemination of childbirth knowledge.
Shift from traditional focus solely on prenatal checkups and purely biomedical aspects of delivery. Integrate psychological counseling, emotional guidance, and dissemination of pregnancy and childbirth knowledge into obstetric protocols. Help expectant mothers overcome fear, anxiety, impatience, and other negative psychological states, enabling them to approach labor with optimal mental readiness. Transform passive acceptance into active participation to facilitate a natural, normal, and healthy delivery.
Actively prevent and manage obstetric complications during pregnancy. Pay attention to preventing and promptly treating vulvitis and vaginitis, and strengthen self-care education for perineal care.
If fetal macrosomia is detected during pregnancy or if the mother has a history of delivering a macrosomic infant, check whether the mother has diabetes.
For diabetic pregnant women, active treatment is essential. After 36 weeks of gestation, based on fetal maturity, placental function tests, and diabetes control, schedule induction or perform a cesarean section.
During prenatal visits, advise pregnant women with normal pelvic structure, estimated fetal weight below 4000g, and eligible for natural delivery to perform Kegel exercises 1–2 weeks before the due date. Do this 1–2 times daily for 5–10 minutes each session.
Additionally, the following exercises can help prevent birth canal tears.
Exercises to Prevent Perineal Tears
Kegel Exercises
Kegel exercises, also known as pelvic floor muscle training, enhance the elasticity of perineal tissues and strengthen pelvic floor muscles. This helps prevent postpartum vaginal laxity and associated urinary incontinence.
Since expectant mothers may be unfamiliar with contracting and relaxing pelvic floor muscles, it's recommended to practice during urination. Hold the flow halfway through; this engages the pelvic floor muscles. Releasing the tension allows urination to resume.Once you master the target area and technique, practice anytime, anywhere. Begin by contracting for 5 seconds followed by relaxation, repeating 10 times per session. Perform 4 sessions daily with consistent practice.
Perineal Massage
Since tears often occur in the lower perineum, expectant mothers are advised to massage this area daily with fingers starting in late pregnancy. This improves the elasticity of perineal tissues.
How to prevent birth canal tears? Expectant mothers can try the above methods if conditions permit.