What mothers need to know about perineal tears during childbirth

As a mother-to-be, you may be a little scared and curious about childbirth , right? You may have heard words like 'torn' and 'stitched' when talking about things that can happen during childbirth. This is actually something that many mothers experience, but it is not really discussed. So today we thought we would talk to you about this in a friendly way. We are talking about the perineal tear that occurs during childbirth, or what we medically call `(Perineal Tear)`.

Why do these tears really happen?

Simply put, childbirth is an amazing natural process. Your body prepares the way for your baby to come out by thinning the skin and tissue around your vagina and making it more stretchy. This is to make sure the baby's head can come out without any damage.

But sometimes, especially if the delivery is a little too fast, this skin doesn't have enough time to stretch as much as it should. That's when the tissue around the vagina can tear. This is very common and happens to many mothers.

Sometimes, doctors will make a small incision to enlarge the opening of the vagina to control the tearing or to deliver the baby quickly. We call this an `` episiotomy ''. This is done to control the bleeding caused by a severe tear or to save the baby quickly if there is an emergency.

What are the 4 main types of rice?

These cracks are divided into four main types based on their depth and damage. Think of it like going from a small crack in a road to a large pothole. Let's understand these types clearly.

What factors increase the risk of a tear?

Certain factors may increase the risk of developing this type of tear. However, having these things does not necessarily mean that you will develop a tear. These are only risk factors.

• If you are having your first baby : The risk is higher during the first delivery because the tissues are not as stretched.
• If the baby is overweight: When a large baby comes out, there is more pressure on the tissues.
• If labor is too fast: The tissues don't have enough time to contract.
• If you need to use a device to remove the baby: `(Forc EPS )` (forceps) or `(Vacuum)` device.
• Baby's position: Breech presentation when the baby is face up.
• If the mother is older.
• Being an Asian woman: Studies have shown that Asian women are at slightly higher risk due to the nature of their tissues.
• Episiotomy: There is a risk of continued tearing, especially with a midline episiotomy.

What complications can occur due to this swelling?

Stages one and two often do not cause any significant complications , but severe stages three and four can cause some problems.

• Bleeding: During and after the tear.
• Infection: Infection can occur if the suture site is not kept clean.
• Pain: Especially in the first few weeks.
• Pain during sex: Some people may experience this problem even after healing.
• Urinary incontinence: Involuntary leakage of urine, such as when coughing or laughing.
• Bowel incontinence: This can be associated with severe diarrhea.
• Delayed healing: Healing may be delayed due to things like stitches breaking again.

How is it treated and what should you do?

The treatment depends on what type of tear you have. A first-degree tear may not need stitches at all. However, second-, third-, and fourth-degree tears will definitely need stitches to repair them.

The best part is that the stitches used for this procedure dissolve over time . So you don't have to go back to the hospital to have them removed. These stitches usually dissolve within 6 weeks.

The pain from the tear usually subsides after about two weeks . The doctor will give you painkillers.

Things to do on your part

• Cleanliness: Keep the area where the stitches were placed clean and dry. Always wash with lukewarm water after using the toilet, pat dry with a clean cloth, and then pat dry.
• Rest: Get as much rest as possible. Don't stay in the same position for too long.
• Diet: To prevent constipation, eat foods high in fiber, such as greens, vegetables, and fruits, and drink plenty of water.
• Medical advice: Follow your doctor's instructions exactly.

If you have these symptoms, see a doctor immediately:

• If you have a fever.
• If there is a bad smell or pus-like fluid coming from the suture site.
• If the pain continues to increase despite taking painkillers.
• If the area where the stitches were placed is swollen, red, and very painful.

If you continue to experience pain during sex, don't be ashamed or afraid to talk to your doctor about it. There are things you can do about it.