Vaginal Ruptures During Childbirth

It is true that the vagina is stretched during childbirth. However, the pressure from the baby passing through the pelvis can cause the skin and underlying muscles to become tense. This can cause vaginal rupture – a problem that requires treatment.

Ruptured vaginas are quite common during childbirth. Women who are most at risk of experiencing this are those who give birth for the first time and those who give birth to large children.

Even mothers who have a long delivery are at greater risk for this problem.

Depending on how damaged the vagina is, the woman may need to be stitched or use special creams. Below is a description of the types of stretch marks that exist and ways to prevent them.

Types of vaginal ruptures that occur during childbirth

There are several types of vaginal stretch marks:

• First-degree rupture: A small rupture in the diaphragm that only affects the skin. Usually no stitches are needed.

• Second degree rupture: Additional wounds in the diaphragm that affect both the skin and the lower muscles of the pelvis. Requires a few stitches.
• Third degree rupture: Affects the lower muscles of the pelvis to a greater extent. Extends to the anal sphincter.
• Fourth degree rupture: When the rupture extends from the vagina to the rectum and damages the entire diaphragm. Must be sewn in an operating room.

How to avoid vaginal stretch marks during childbirth

There is no guarantee, but certain measures can help prevent this type of damage. Below we will tell you how to reduce the risk of developing vaginal stretch marks. Note:

1. Prepare your body

During the nine months before childbirth, women need to prepare their bodies. For example, it is important to include some form of exercise in your daily routine throughout your pregnancy.

The advantages are that the training improves circulation, which in turn improves the skin’s elasticity. It also increases blood flow to the diaphragm and vagina.

At the same time, we recommend that you maintain a good diet to take care of your skin and your muscles. Include foods rich in omega-3s, fatty acids, proteins and a variety of vegetables to complete your healthy diet.

Be sure to include enough vitamin E, vitamin C and zinc as this will allow your body to stretch and recover after delivery.

2. Massage of the diaphragm

Preparing the diaphragm during pregnancy reduces the risk of vaginal stretching for women giving birth for the first time. Massage can help women become familiar with their own bodies and gain confidence in their ability to give birth.

If you are not comfortable with the idea of ​​massaging the diaphragm, remember that this is definitely not a requirement.

3. The position at birth matters

Undoubtedly, the position you choose when you press has a big influence on the stretch marks. For example, you can lie on your side with your legs facing up or apply pressure to the tailbone and diaphragm. This reduces the size of the pelvis and reduces your risk of rupture.

Follow your emotions when it comes to choosing a delivery position . The position that makes you feel most comfortable is the right position for you. Therefore, you have to try until you find a position that will help you cope with the contractions.

Either way, being on all fours (hands and knees) is the position that causes the least damage to the diaphragm.

4. Pelvic floor exercises can prevent vaginal rupture

Pelvic floor exercises are for strengthening the pelvic floor muscles. The idea is that the muscles should return to their normal shape after the birth, but also reduce your risks of experiencing incontinence.

Learning to relax the pelvic floor muscles is important as it maximizes the space for your baby to get through. With a few minutes of practice per day, you can make great progress for that purpose.

5. Avoid episiotomy

Episiotomy is a surgical incision made on the skin and muscles to enlarge the vaginal opening. Ironically, episiotomy does not protect the diaphragm during childbirth. In fact, getting a lesion increases your risk .

What happens when the incision has been made is that the baby’s head causes the muscle to tear even more.

Also remember that vaginal ruptures during childbirth are unfortunately common in a large number of women.

The best thing you can do to recover and reduce the pain is to avoid activities that require effort. Also take a hot water bath to soothe the pain and apply ice packs to relieve swelling.