Most babies emerge from the vagina with only small scrapes or minor lacerations to the birthing person's body. Vaginal tissues are naturally elastic, making them capable of stretching around the baby’s head.
Eating well, exercising, staying hydrated, and delivering the baby in a position that keeps pressure off of the perineum all may help prevent tears. Sometimes, despite all efforts, tearing does occur with the birth. Tears are usually much shallower than an episiotomy, although they can occasionally extend into the rectum.
Occasionally, the midwife may need to do an episiotomy. An episiotomy is a surgical incision of the perineum made to enlarge the vaginal opening. Fewer than 2% of clients giving birth in our practice need episiotomies. In general, tears heal faster and are less painful than episiotomies.
Midwives perform episiotomies mostly when the baby’s heartbeat slows and it is important for the baby to be born as quickly as possible, or if the midwife feels extensive tearing will occur. We will always make sure we have your consent before performing any procedure.