What if the vagina is torn during childbirth?

Vaginal tearing during childbirth is a common problem during labor to make it easier for the baby angel to be born. To get rid of this concern, you need to know it thoroughly.

Pregnancy and childbirth are wonderful. However, there are still some unfortunate things that can happen during childbirth. One of them is a vaginal tear during childbirth.

What does a vaginal tear at birth mean?

A vaginal tear during childbirth is a sudden tear that occurs in the perineum, also known as the episiotomy (the area between the vagina and rectum) during vaginal delivery. During the baby's birth, the vagina has to be stretched wide enough for the baby to pass. For some women, stretching won't cause any problems, but others may experience a vaginal tear.

Most mothers who have their first child are 95% more likely to have this problem, as the genital tissues are less flexible than mothers who have had a baby. Other factors that contribute to a torn vagina are because pregnant  women are overweight or are in rapid labor giving the tissues little time to adapt and stretch when the baby is out. The fetus is also a contributing factor to vaginal tear, especially in cases where the buttocks are facing up and the buttocks are facing down, causing too much pressure on the mother's vagina.

Using vacuums, forceps or prolonged labor can lead to severe vaginal swelling increasing the risk of tearing. Usually, however, after your first birth, your vagina becomes more flexible. So the risk of tearing is less.

What are the types of vaginal tears?

There are 4 levels of vaginal tear, no matter what level, you will feel very pain. Some stitches will need to be stitched back and the anal spasmodic muscles will be affected.

Grade 1:  The tear only reaches the vaginal wall, does not affect the muscle. Usually, doctors will prescribe stitches for the vagina only with a few stitches.

Degree 2:  This is the most frequent laceration that affects the vaginal wall and goes a little deeper into the tissue of the vagina. You need more stitches.

Grade 3:  The tear goes deeper into the vagina and anal sphincter. Doctors will appoint separate stitches for each layer, paying special attention to suturing the muscle layer that supports the anal sphincter.

Level 4:  This tear goes deep including all the conditions of the 3 levels above and also extends through the intestinal wall. This tear requires extremely meticulous and careful treatment. This situation very rarely happens. Levels 3 and 4 occur only when a baby's shoulder is trapped inside the mother's vagina or when the mother has a hard time giving birth and the baby needs to be aspirated and clamped.

How to recover after giving birth?

If you have only 1 or 2 degree of vaginal tear, you may experience discomfort for 1-2 weeks, especially when sitting up straight. In addition, going to the toilet and doing things that put pressure on your lower body like coughing or sneezing can also cause pain. By the second week, the tear will heal and the stitches will dissolve on their own. However, the nerves and muscle strength can take several more weeks to recover as before.

For women who experience a 3 or 4 degree of vaginal tear, recovery takes longer. Pain and discomfort can last up to 3-4 weeks, and full recovery can take several months. Severe lacerations in the vagina and rectum can lead to pelvic floor dysfunction, prolapse , problems with excretion, difficulty passing, and uncomfortable sex. You should discuss these symptoms with your doctor.

How can i avoid a vaginal tear during childbirth?

During childbirth, try to maintain low pressure positions on the intestines and vaginal floor such as lying on your side or doing straight back squats. Hands resting on your knees and leaning forward can reduce the risk of tearing the perineum.

4 - 6 weeks before giving birth, massage the perineum for 10-15 minutes a day. Regularly massage the lower part of the vagina with a lubricant that can soften the tissues, making these muscles more flexible.