Vaginal Tears and Episiotomy: Prevention and Healing

<p class="paragraph" style= "margin: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class= "normaltextrun"><span style= "font-size: 11.0pt; font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif; color: #262626;"> When your skin is stretching during birth, it can tear. It is common for first-time mothers to have some tearing during vaginal birth, and there is also the possibility that you could have an episiotomy, which is a surgical incision. The good news is that you can do some things to prevent this leading up to and during your labor and birth. I know this can sound scary, but it shouldn't be. The benefits of a vaginal delivery far outweigh the downside of a tear or an episiotomy. Remember that some women make it through a vaginal birth without tearing, so it is not unavoidable. If you do end up with a tear or incision, there is a lot you can do to make yourself more comfortable, give yourself some relief, and help your body heal afterward.</span></span></p> <p class="paragraph" style= "margin: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;"> </p> <p class="paragraph" style= "margin: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;"> </p> <p class="paragraph" style= "margin: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style= "font-size: 11.0pt; font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif; color: black; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"> Thank you to our sponsors</span></p> <p class="paragraph" style= "margin: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;"> </p> <p class="paragraph" style= "margin: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style= "font-size: 11.0pt; font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif; color: black;"> 15% off</span> <span style= "font-size: 11.0pt; font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;"><a href= "https://dockatot.com/pregnancypodcast/" target="_blank" rel= "noopener">DockATot</a><span style="color: black;"> with the code</span> PREGNANCYPODCAST. <span style="color: black;">DockAtot is a lifestyle brand made for the modern parent and creates functional solutions for feeding, playing, resting, sleeping, lounging, and beyond. DockATot’s Kind Bassinet is Your 4th-trimester solutio