what causes tearing?

[aimz78]

Hi,
just wondering what are the causes of tearing during a baby's birth?
Are tears less likely with subsequent births?
The reason I ask is I had a third degree tear first time around (I had an epidural) and am just wondering why and the best ways to prevent this next time, I know perineal massage is possible and might give that a try. Any thoughts or ideas are appreciated, thanks.

[AliBaby]

I think pushing too quickly when the babies head is crowning can cause tearing also if the head is just too big.

[Cassius2]

i had some minor tearing because DD came flying out like a pocket rocket once her head popped out. the poor OB had to really test his hand-eye coordination LOL!

i do remember them asking me to breathe out the contractions once her head was out (ie to stop myself from pushing ITMS) and i think this was to minimise any tearing damage etc.

HTH!

[Oorki Galoorki]

positioningif your on your back with your legs up you are more likely to tear.as your pulling everything tight.
being upright helps not to tear. pushing against your body so when being told to push even though you might not feel the need to.. or trying to conrtoll the push so trying to stop the push can do it to

[Alan]

Hi Aimz
There is some research that suggests that perineal massage can reduce the chance of tearing. A few other things that may help are:-
Do not birth on your back.
Birth the head slowly giving yourself the chance to stretch.
Only push when your body tells you to and not when the midwife/ob wants you to (coached pushing).
Visualisation may also be helpful. As you start to feel the burning down there try to “see” your vagina stretching to make room for the baby to slide through.

[visitor1]

I have had 3 babies...and teared all 3 times now.

#1 was due to a vac extraction and she came flying out (2nd degree tear)
#2 was a small tear, not sure why but im assuming due to birthing on my back (1st degree tear)
#3 was due to DS pushing hard on my waters and me birthing upright, once the waters broke he crowned straight away...waters was all that was stopping him from 'falling out'. (2nd degree tear)