Stretchies and tearing?

[Cricket]

I heard once that women who get no/few stretch marks are less likely to tear in delivery. The theory being that they have stretchier skin all around, I guess.
For me, it's not true - I've never seen someone with more stretch marks than I've got but thankfully, I've never had any tearing with my babies so far.
Anyone have any more thoughts/experiences on this theory?

[butterfly_warrior]

I was the opposite - no stretchmarks, but I did get tearing. I suspect a lot of the tearing came from having to get Sam out fast and could possibly have been avoided, but I've healed up well (despite tearing through the clitoris) so I'm not at all bothered by the fact that I did tear.

BW

[Arimeh]

OOh I was always going to start a thread like this, because I've heard the same thing too!!!

Thanks

[Jellyfish]

Bucket loads of stretch marks here but no tearing!

[Fleur]

.... but I've healed up well (despite tearing through the clitoris) ......

OUch! tell me that is unusual?

[butterfly_warrior]

Yes, it is unusual, but I don't do things the normal way!

BW

[Snacks]

Yes, it is unusual. The perineal area between the vagina and anus takes the brunt of the force, so you're more likely to tear there. But strange tears happen in different circumstances.
Glad to hear you're healed up well though, BW!
I have stretchies and I tore last birth. Interesting theory! Will see if I manage to avoid tearing this time round...

[edaj84]

lots of stretchies but no tears

[Inertia]

Lots of stretchies. Lots and lots. Never tore.

[butterfly_warrior]

It's starting to look like the key to not tearing is to have loads and loads of stretchmarks!

BW

[krysalyss]

Lots of stretch marks and no tearing.

[M22]

oh dear- no stretchies and tearing

[*Ash*]

No stretchies, and no tearing here.

[visitor1]

Lots of stretchies and tore all 3 times!

[Cricket]

Well, so far it looks like the theory is useless. Seems like it's almost the opposite, if anything. I wonder where that idea got started? Of course, this is hardly a scientific study, either, but still, you'd think, if this was a valid theory, there'd be at least some women that it was true for!

[Liz]

A few stretchies and no tearing I had a graze.. that's it.

I don't think it's the lack of stretchiness that causes tearing.. there's usually other factors like positioning, pushing at the wrong times etc etc.

[Shanti]

That's true for me then!!!! I had HEAPS of stretchmarks from 20weeks onwards AND had a very bad 3RD DEGREE TEAR!!!! (but an awesome birth experience so I don't care!!)

[Olive]

i had a lot of swelling and also tore, an OB commented that i must have had stretch marks too, but i blew his theory out of the water when said i had none! he was also implying that maybe my skin wasnt was stretchy!