Your birth is getting closer and closer and your thoughts are concerned with the topic: Can I prevent the perineal rupture? Whether this is really possible, fisher price baby doll swing and what you can do, you can read in the following article.
What is a dam rupture?
A perineal rupture is actually one of the most common injuries that can occur during childbirth. The perineum, i.e. the area between the vagina and anus, can tear if excessively stretched. Admittedly, not a nice idea.
As you surely know, the skin and muscles in this area are particularly stressed at birth. A large child or a quick birth can cause the skin to no longer withstand the enormous stretch and tear.
Especially when the child’s head passes through the birth canal, the stretching is particularly strong. In addition to the perineum, other areas can also tear down or be damaged during childbirth. For example, the vaginal skin, labia, cervix or clitoris.
What can lead to a perineal rupture?
Unfortunately, it is not possible to predict whether or not a dam rupture will occur. A very large child, an unfavorable position of the child, a quick birth, as well as insufficient perineal protection can lead to this complication.
Because often a perineal rupture is the result of an operative vaginal birth. Responsible for this is the use of mechanical aids such as pliers or vacuum bindings.
In addition, there are other factors that can favor a perineal rupture:
- Size and posture of the head as well as the width of your newborn’s shoulders.
- Old scar tissue on the perineum (injuries during a previous birth).
- The nature of the perineal tissue: A particularly tight, unyielding and weak tissue (e.B. due to connective tissue weakness) tear faster.
- An episiotomy
- So-called power pressing
- Birth by suction cup or pliers
- Birth in supine position: Because the pressure of the head is thus shifted especially to the posterior pelvic floor and the sphincter.
Dammriss – What now?
Immediately after birth, you will be examined by a gynecologist. Especially in the area of the vagina and the perineum. If there is actually a rupture of the dam, he assesses the location and the extent of the injury, because there are some differences.
In advance, he will address the following questions:
- Where is the crack located?
- Is only the skin torn?
- Is the perineal muscles also injured?
- Is the sphincter affected?
- How far is the intestine involved in the perineal rupture?
Extent of the injury
As you already know, a perineal rupture can have very different consequences. Sometimes it’s just a bleeding, but sometimes it’s much more drastic. Above all, the exact location and the extent of the injury are decisive.
1st degree perineal rupture
The skin on the perineum is only superficially torn. The muscles themselves are not affected.
2nd degree perineal rupture
The injury affects not only the skin, but also the muscles. The sphincter is not affected.
3rd degree perineal rupture
The sphincter was damaged. It is partially or completely torn.
4th degree perineal rupture
Sphincter is completely torn. In addition, the intestinal mucosa is affected.
What is an episiotomy?
An episiotomy, also called an episiotomy, is sometimes targeted by a doctor. Here, the doctor enlarges the pelvic exit by an episiotomy.
However, the measure of an episiotomy is no guarantee for an episiotomy. If this incision is not large enough, the tissue can still tear.
Does a perineal rupture cause pain?
Unfortunately, you can answer this neither with “yes” nor with “no”. Of course, it is not painless when tissue ruptures. However, you will be confronted with completely different pains during childbirth. You probably won’t notice a rupture of the dam.
An episiotomy is basically noticeable by pain and bleeding.
Can I prevent the perineal rupture?
A perineal rupture can have many causes, as you already know. In case you are wondering: Can I prevent the perineal rupture? Here are some tips for you:
Massage
Maybe your gynecologist has already recommended a so-called perineal massage. With a special oil and certain massage techniques, build a baby swing frame you can stretch the area and prepare it for a birth. About eight weeks before the birth, you should start with the regular massages.
Gymnastics
The perineal gymnastics also provides a stretching effect. Here you squat down with your knees open or sit cross-legged. In this position, you now have to press your feet against each other. About six weeks before the birth, you should start with the daily exercises, at best several times a day.
Exerciser
Exactly this effect also has a so-called “anti-perineal incision trainer”. This is a balloon that is inserted into the vagina and is inflated a little more and more over time. This method is intended to stretch the perineal tissue. Whether this device is suitable for you, you should rather discuss in advance with your doctor or with your midwife.
Strong pelvic floor
Regular pelvic floor training can help you consciously tense your muscles during labor.
Through targeted exercises, you can learn how to properly control your pelvic floor.
So you can at best manage not to cramp at birth. The perineal tissue is also relieved and does not tear so quickly.
Herbal helpers to prevent perineal rupture
In addition to the exercises, here you will find tips on how to prevent the perineal rupture, with the help of external applications.
Hip bath
A seat bath loosens the fabric and makes it supple at the same time. For the sitting bath, it is best to pour hay flowers or lime flowers with boiling water, and then sit down for some time in the slightly cooled water.
With the sitting baths you can start about six weeks before the birth: Once a week, from the delivery date daily.
Raspberry leaf tea
Raspberry leaf tea has the effect of making the perineal area as well as the pelvic floor more elastic. In addition, the tea should also loosen the abdominal muscles. How often you can drink the tea, you should discuss with your doctor. Raspberry leaf tea has a labor-promoting effect.
Nutrition
You certainly know how important a healthy and balanced diet is. In addition, proper nutrition can contribute to a healthy and resistant skin tissue. Foods such as fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds or carbohydrates from amaranth or quinoa are good for you and your body!
The best preparation can not prevent a perineal rupture
Although you have learned some tips and tricks on how to prevent the perineal rupture, these alone unfortunately offer no guarantee.
A perineal rupture can occur even despite the best preparation.
Neither you nor your doctor can influence all the processes of your body.
But: Maybe the injuries would have been much worse without preparation and you might have been able to minimize the extent of the perineal rupture.
