A Perineal Tear during Childbirth
What exactly is a perineal tear?
The perineum is the area that lies between the vagina and anus in women.He is exposed to a lot of stress during birth
- which applies above all to the moment when the baby's head passes through the vaginal opening.When the tissue can no longer withstand the strong stretching caused by the child's head, a perineal tear occurs at birth.The tissue tears first at the weakest point, which is below the vaginal entrance and above the anus.Perineal tears are divided into four different degrees of perineal tears.
Perineal tear grade 1: In the lightest degree of severity, there is a tear in the epidermis and/or subcutaneous tissue. Muscle tissue is not yet affected.
Perineal tear grade 2: The perineal muscles are torn up to the external anal sphincter. The so-called musculus sphincter ani externus (a ring-shaped muscle that closes the anus) is not.
Perineal tear grade 3: The anal sphincter is completely or partially torn.
Perineal tear grade 4: The tear extends to the mucous membrane of the rectum (rectum).
How can a perineal tear occur during childbirth?
There are different reasons for a perineal tear during childbirth.For example, the size of the child is an important factor, since a large head and shoulders also means a lot of tissue stretching.However, that does not mean that a dam will surely rupture.Whether it will happen is difficult to predict.The risk of a perineal tear is also high if the birth is particularly quick.So it also depends on how much time the tissue has to get used to the stretching.Stretching the perineum in the last few weeks before the birth can be helpful.Steam baths, with which the tissue is loosened before birth, have also proven to be useful.In addition, a so-called perineum protection can be carried out by the midwife and obstetrician,in which the mother's perineum is supported by the hand of the midwife or obstetrician.In summary, the risk of a perineal rupture is high if these influencing factors are not taken into account.
What should you know about the treatment and care of a perineal tear injury?
In the case of a perineal tear injury, it is particularly important to protect the affected region as much as possible so that it can heal in peace.Above all, this is important on the toilet.And let's call it a spade: when you clean your butt, the torn perineum not only hurts a lot, but the wound can also become infected or the stitches open if you apply too much pressure.At this point we would therefore like to recommend our bottom shower.You will see that with its particularly gentle jet, it will help you to rinse your intimate area and keep it clean and hygienic.When treating the tear, wound healing ointment and later scar ointment are recommended.It is also important that you drink a lot and eat enough fiber to avoid developing constipation.You should also change your pads often.If the pain becomes severe, you can carefully place cooling gel pads on the wound.
