Becoming a mother is one of the greatest joys of life. But along with that joy, there are also some physical discomforts that new mothers have to face. One thing that many mothers fear and are a little hesitant to talk about is the tears that occur in the vaginal canal after giving birth. Although this is a common thing, if you are aware of it and take proper care of it, it can be cured quickly. So let's talk about it today.
Why does this tear occur?
Simply put, as the baby's head emerges from the vagina during labor, the skin and muscles around it begin to stretch. Sometimes, if the vagina doesn't stretch easily enough, or if the baby's head is a little big, this can cause a small tear. These tears can occur to varying degrees.
- Minor lacerations: These are like small scratches that only occur on the skin around the vagina.
- Deeper tears: Sometimes these tears can extend to the underlying muscles and, rarely, to the ring of muscles around the anus (anal sphincter).
Don't worry, this happens to many mothers. Your doctor or midwife will assess the severity of the injury and give you the best treatment.
Can you prevent tearing during childbirth?
There's no guarantee that this can be prevented 100% of the time, but there are a few things you can try to reduce the risk of a tear.
- Push slowly and with control: When pushing, do it slowly and with control, without using too much force at once. This will give the tissues around the vagina time to gradually stretch. Your doctor will guide you through this throughout labor.
- Keeping the Perineum Warm: The area between your vagina and anus is called the perineum. As you approach labor, placing a warm cloth on the area can help relax the muscles and reduce tearing.
- Perineum massage: Sometimes your doctor or midwife may insert two lubricated, gloved fingers into your vagina and gently massage them downward. This can also help relax the muscles and aid in labor.
- Delivering your baby in an upright position: Trying to deliver your baby in an upright position, such as sitting up, rather than lying down, can help prevent tearing. Your doctor will help you find a position that is safe for both you and your baby.
How to care for the wound at home until it heals?
After the wound is closed, the doctor will use a type of dissolvable suture to close it. These sutures will dissolve over time, so you won't need to cut them out again. It's normal to see stitches on your tissue or pad after you go to the toilet. Small tears may not need stitches, as they will heal on their own.
It is normal to feel some pain when walking, sitting, or using the toilet for the first few days while the wound heals. However, this pain will gradually decrease over time. The wound will usually heal completely within 4-6 weeks. The table below lists some things you can do to care for the wound at home.
| What to do | Description and importance |
|---|---|
| Applying ice packs | Place an ice pack wrapped in a clean cloth on the wound for 10-20 minutes at a time. This will greatly reduce swelling and pain. |
| Keeping clean | After each use of the toilet, pour warm water over the wound from a bottle or jug. Do not use soap. Then pat dry with a clean, soft cloth. |
| Sitting in hot water (Sitz Bath) | Fill a large basin with lukewarm water and sit in it for about 15 minutes 2-3 times a day. This will reduce pain, improve blood circulation, and help the wound heal faster. |
| Rest and nutrition | Get enough sleep, rest when you feel tired. Eat good, nutritious food. Drink plenty of water throughout the day. These are essential for the body to heal. |
| Preventing constipation | Eat foods high in fiber (fruits, vegetables, and whole grains). Drink plenty of water. Walking around a bit can also help prevent constipation. Straining while defecating can affect the wound. |
When to see a doctor immediately
The wound usually heals gradually, but if you have any of the following warning signs , see your doctor or go to the hospital immediately .
- If there is a bad smell coming from the wound.
- If the pain, redness, or swelling is getting worse.
- If you feel feverish or have a cold .
- If a pus-like fluid is coming out of the wound.
- If the stitches appear to have broken.
- If you feel difficulty controlling your urine or stool.
A sign like this could be the beginning of an infection, so don't ignore it if you have one.
About pain medication
Your doctor will prescribe painkillers. Take them exactly as he or she tells you, at the right time, and in the right dosage. If you are taking other medications (such as blood thinners), ask your doctor when to start taking them again.
Take-Home Message
- Vaginal tears during childbirth are very common. There is no need to be afraid or embarrassed about it.
- Keeping the wound clean and properly caring for it is essential for quick healing. Washing with hot water and soaking in hot water are especially helpful.
- If you experience pain, swelling, or any other unusual symptoms, notify your doctor immediately.
- If you are tired, rest. It is very important to give your body time to heal during this time. If you need help, ask your family for help.
- Avoid sexual intercourse until the wound is completely healed and your doctor gives you permission.
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