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What are vaginal tears?
Vaginal tears or perineal laceration is a condition that happen when the tissues of the vaginal canal become damaged. We mostly associate them with childbirth, but they can also happen during sex, says Dr Juneja. You must have noticed that your vagina is a flexible and an elastic organ. But excessive force or pressure can cause it to stretch beyond its capacity which leads to tears in the vaginal walls.
The extent and severity of tearing can depend on various factors such as the size of the baby, the mother’s anatomy and the duration of labour. The mild tears are the most common. These tears typically involve the perineal skin or the vaginal mucosa and generally heal without extensive medical intervention. The expert says that the severe tears, such as second-degree, third-degree, or fourth-degree tears, are less common but can still occur. Extensive tears are more commonly seen with instrumental delivery like vacuum and forceps delivery. These tears require careful postpartum care and management to promote healing and prevent complications.
Preventing vaginal tears during childbirth
It might not always be possible to completely prevent vaginal tears during childbirth, but there are measures that can be taken to reduce the risk. Here are some options:
1. Perineal massage
It involves gently stretching and massaging the tissues around the vaginal opening in the weeks leading up to delivery, explains Dr Juneja. This technique aims to increase the flexibility and elasticity of the tissues, potentially minimizing the severity of tears.
2. Practise pelvic floor exercises
Pelvic floor exercises can help to strengthen the muscles in the pelvic region. A strong pelvic floor can provide better support to the vaginal tissues during childbirth, potentially reducing the likelihood of tearing.
3. Warm compresses
While in labour, healthcare providers can employ various techniques to help to prevent tearing. These might include providing warm compresses to the perineum to increase blood flow and promote tissue elasticity.
