Giving birth can be a scary experience, but with the right doctor, it can be a wonderful time. There will always be pain involved in the labor process, but sometimes there is needless pain. When your doctor in Chicago plans carefully and is attentive during your labor and delivery, many of these issues are avoidable. One such issue that is very common is perineal tears.
A perineal tear is not only painful but also it increases the amount of time it takes to heal after delivery. Furthermore, it can have lasting, long term negative effects.
There is a method of preparation that can help to prevent perineal tears, according to the American Pregnancy Association. It has been shown in studies that a massage of the area, which involves gentle manipulation and stretching, can help prevent tearing during delivery. The recommendation is to begin this message process near the end of pregnancy and to provide massage during delivery as well.
No guarantees of prevention
The Mayo Clinic warns that you may not be able to completely avoid a perineal tear through using preparation methods, such as massage. However, preparing the area can help to lessen the severity of the injury. Tears may be superficial, affecting just the skin, or they can be severe, affecting the muscles. Preparing the area in some way can help to loosen it and ready it for the stretching required during the birthing process.
Other options
If you have no interest in massage, there are other things you can try. You can prepare the area before birth by placing a warm cloth on it. Pushing more slowly and slowing down the baby’s exit from the womb can help, too. The position in which you deliver also may help. Avoid laying flat to deliver and instead sit upright.
Perineal tears are a birth injury that do not have to happen. You can avoid them or at least limit the severity of the tear through preparation. When a doctor is lax in helping a patient prepare for labor and delivery and it causes a serious birth injury, this could be an indication of medical malpractice.