I'm currently 28 weeks pregnant and for the last couple of weeks I've been freaking out about the idea of childbirth! My lovely partner has told me a few horror stories from people he know having complications, which have sent my fear levels off the charts!
To ease my mind, I've been doing a tonne of research about tips, techniques and herbs to help make childbirth easier.
I've read up on things ranging from perineal massages (which the idea of makes me uncomfortable, so I'd hate to try) to red raspberry leaf.
After a tonne of research and speaking to a profession, I've started taking red raspberry leaf capsules and I'm looking for the tea as studies show that it helps make each contraction worth more, shortening the pushing stage and lessening chance of tearing.
So my question is - what are some ways you've heard, researched, or have experience with to prevent tearing, or lessen the pain of labour? Whether it seems quirky, or didn't work at all, please leave what you've heard/done. (Don't worry, I'm careful and will do a tonne of research before I even consider anything!)
Thanks in advanced x
What can you do during pregnancy to make labour easier and to prevent tearing?
What can you do during pregnancy to make labour easier and to prevent tearing?
Posted in:
Pregnancy
5 Replies
Every labour is different so bear in mind that the other experiences you've heard will not necessarily reflect yours. I tore during labour but didn't even know until they told me because at the time I was focused on pushing the baby out. Try to relax about the labour - it will be what it's going to be and when your baby is out you couldn't care less how long it took, how hard it was or how many stitches you need.
I think it's impossible to imagine what it will be like. I would advise you to have an idea of what you want for pain relief but go in with a very flexible mind for other options.
I found contractions easier to get through by walking a lot, getting down on all fours and rocking through it and standing up leaning forward. And absolutely don't forget to breathe through them!
I hope that helps. Good luck with the birth!
Being relaxed and calm! Have a birth plan but be flexible about that plan. Remember your goal is a healthy baby.
Although perineal massage makes you feel uncomfortable it truly is a good thing to do. Also, the more stressed you become leading up to the event, the more tense and uncomfortable you will be when the time comes to push. So you need to relax, enjoy some pregnancy massages and when someone tells you a horror story - ignore them! Your body is built to labour, and you'll have a team of midwives and doctors surrounding you to ensure that everything goes safely. If you tear, you tear - they can fix it! So relax, relax and relax some more. Every labour is different, if you have a second, third, fourth child they will all have a different way of labouring so you really cannot prepare yourself. Don't set yourself up for failure, keep in mind all of the positive things you can and look forward to a beautiful birthing experience.
I was taking raspberry leaf tablets from 28 weeks with my last two, had no problems. And I used the shower as pain relief, which also helps with tearing, I had none with all three, the boys had 34cm heads and lil girl had a 36cm head. Also wash the area with a antibacterial soap like sapoderm, it also helps reduce the need of antibiotics. Good luck xxxx
I had the same fears as you and the same methods to help myself (research, research, research).
I ended up doing a calmbirth course which addressed my fears.
I did however tear, second degree, twice in different directions as my labour was so quick that I believe nothing had time to stretch.
I needed no pain relief for my tears though. And didn't use any during labour (there wasn't time anyway)...
I hope this hasn't added to your fears, calmbirth definitely addressed mine!