Vaginal Tear: What Is It, How It Happens and How to Relieve the Pain

Giving birth soon? If you have chosen to have a normal or vaginal delivery, then this is something that you should know. 

But first, why is vaginal birth a good choice? Baby's brain-boosting proteins are found to be activated by vaginal birth. Tamas Horvath, a professor of biomedical research and chair at the department of comparative medicine at the Yale School of Medicine, told The Huffington Post that a certain protein –  "uncoupling 2 protein," or UCP2 – is crucial for the growth of the hippocampus' circuitry, which aids in the generation and storage of memory.

Nevertheless, there are pros and cons to a vaginal birth as well as to c-section delivery.

Let’s focus on vaginal delivery first. Did you know that you can get a vaginal tear during birth? This may sound scary, but it pays to be ready and know what to expect in case it happens. 

What Is a Vaginal Tear? 

A vaginal tear is possible during labour. It is also called a perineal laceration—a tear in the muscle and skin that surrounds your vagina and perineum. The perineal area is the space between your anus and vaginal opening (also known as the perineum).

During a typical vaginal delivery, your vagina's skin becomes thinner as it prepares to give birth. The section of your body that extends is intended to allow the baby's head and body to pass through without getting injured. 

Women who fit the following description are more prone to vaginal tears:

• New mothers
• Mothers of babies that were born weighing a lot
• Women who had laboured gradually
• Women who were assisted with forceps or a vacuum to deliver their babies 

Vaginal tear healing time

A vaginal tear can heal with the proper care in 7 to 10 days. The accompanying discomfort, though, can last for a few weeks. You may be given stitches or prescribed therapeutic creams and lotions, depending on the severity of the vaginal tear.

Causes of Vaginal Tear

There are a variety of causes of vaginal tears after birth. These could include:

• Giving birth to a big baby
• A fast delivery where the skin hasn't had time to swell or degrade
• Forceps were used during the delivery
• Position of the baby
• If you’ve had an episiotomy.
• If you come from an Asian ethnicity.

Vaginal Tear During Birth: How Severe Are They?

There are several different degrees of vagina tears. These are determined by how severe the tear is.

• 1st-degree vaginal tear

The 1st-degree vaginal tear harm the first layer of tissue encircling the vagina and perineum. They are the smallest and most minor of all tears.

• 2nd-degree vaginal tear

During labour, this damage occurs most frequently at its second level. The rip is deeper and extends further into the vaginal and perineal muscles through the epidermis.

• 3rd-degree vaginal tear

Your vagina to your anus is separated by a 3rd-degree vagina tear. In this type of tear, the skin and muscles of the perineal area and the anal sphincter muscles are affected. These muscles are in charge of controlling your bowel movements.

• 4th-degree vaginal tear

This type of vaginal tear occurs the least frequently but is the most severe. It extends from the vagina via the anal sphincter muscles and perineal region and into the rectum.

Vaginal Tear Treatment

A vaginal tear can be treated differently. How to treat vaginal rip depends on how severe the injury is. 

• If the tear is only slight, you might not need stitches. 
• The wound for second, third, and fourth-degree tears will be stitched up. Any stitches will naturally dissolve after six weeks. 

In some severe cases, your doctor may need to repair the anal sphincter injury during a vaginal tear after birth. This will also involve the use of dissolvable sutures. You can feel discomfort while your vaginal tear heals in the weeks following delivery.

To relieve yourself of that pain or discomfort, you may also perform home vaginal tear treatment methods such as:

• Using ice packs

Applying ice packs to the damaged area for 10 to 20 minutes at a time reduces swelling. 

If you use an ice pack, cover it in a clean cloth to protect your skin from the cold. You shouldn't apply an ice pack for more than 20 minutes at a time because it could damage your nerves.

• Taking stool softeners

Your doctor may prescribe a stool softener or suggest taking an over-the-counter one like docusate sodium or Colace. 

You won't have to exert as much effort when using the restroom if you do this. However, avoid delaying your urine if you feel the need to do so because doing so can cause constipation.

Moreover, here are additional reminders to treat and heal your vaginal tear after giving birth:

• Keep your vaginal area clean and dry

You can rinse with warm water from a squeeze bottle after using the restroom. Instead of wiping, gently pat yourself dry with toilet paper. 

Your doctor may also recommend sitz baths. Sitz baths are small, plastic tubs that are made to fit over toilet bowls. You can add warm water to the bath and soak there for a bit to cleanse your skin.

• Take proper rest

Getting enough rest after having a baby can be challenging, but refraining from strenuous activity will help you recuperate faster from your vagina tear. While waiting for your vagina tear healing time, limit strenuous activity for at least two weeks following a vaginal tear after birth. 

While you're waiting for your vaginal tear to heal, refrain from doing or using the following:

• Salt baths
• Talcum powder and fragranced products
• Applying hot water or heat packs to the perineum
• Overstretching your skin
• Sexual activity
• Tampons (although pads can be used following delivery)
• Either a vaginal or douche cleanser

Your doctor may give you additional advice based on the nature and severity of your rip.

ALSO READ:

Worried About Your First Poop After Giving Birth? Here’s What To Do

Postpartum Must-haves: 7 Things Mums Need In Their Postpartum Recovery Kit

Postpartum Checkup: What to Expect on Your First Doctor’s Appointment After Giving Birth

How to Avoid Having a Vaginal Tear During Labour

1. Doing Kegel exercises which might help you prepare for the occasion by strengthening your pelvic floor.
2. Consuming prenatal vitamins, maintaining a nutritious diet, exercising frequently, and maintaining general health.
3. Lubricating before pushing
4. Warming your perineum with a warm towel to encourage blood flow and relax the muscles.

If you are concerned about vagina tears or are at increased risk, consult your healthcare provider before giving birth to learn how to lower your risk. If you had a vagina tear during one delivery, you probably won't have it again with another. Minor vagina tears typically heal fast and won't prevent you from having future vaginal deliveries. If you've already had a third- or fourth-degree tear, you might likely develop one with a future vaginal delivery. Usually, the risk is negligible enough to allow for a vaginal delivery if desired.

Vaginal Tear: When to Call the Doctor

• Foul discharge
• Fever
• Chronic pain, despite medicine
• Bowel control issues
• Increased urination or agonising pain when urinating
• Large blood clots in your stool or blood-stained sanitary pads
• Severe back, pelvic, or vaginal pain

Here at theAsianparent Singapore, it's important for us to give information that is correct, significant, and timely. But this doesn't serve as an alternative for medical advice or medical treatment. theAsianparent Singapore is not responsible for those that would choose to drink medicines based on information from our website. If you have any doubts, we recommend consulting your doctor for clearer information.