Vaginal Tears During Birth: Prevention, Healing, and What to Expect

Vaginal tears are one of the most common parts of birth that expecting mothers are not prepared for. More than half of women experience some degree of tearing during a vaginal birth, and rates are even higher for first-time moms. The good news is that there are evidence-based strategies to reduce your risk. This episode covers what tearing is, what the different degrees mean, and what factors increase your risk. Learn about perineal massage, warm compresses, labor positions, and other research-backed methods. If you experience a tear or an episiotomy, there is a lot you can do to promote healing and make yourself more comfortable. Whether you are planning your first birth or preparing for another, understanding your options puts you in a better position to prevent tearing and recover well if it happens. Full article and resources for this episode: Thank you to the brands that power this podcast: The Zahler Prenatal +DHA is made with high-quality nutrients like the active form of folate and bioavailable iron and essential nutrients like omega-3s. In the month of March 2026, save 30% with the code PREPODHA30 on Amazon: Plus, if you email your order number and mailing address to vanessa@pregnancypodcast.com, Zahler will send you a free silicone baby bib! You can always see the current promo code at: As the Baby Monitor Brand in North America, VTech is trusted by millions of families. The Advanced HQ Max is built for parents who want an easy-to-use, secure monitor without the need for Wi-Fi or apps. With a large 7" screen and crisp, real-time video, it provides reliable monitoring without lag. Save 20% with the code VTPODCAST20 and check out the Advanced HQ Max at Wink: Stories for Better Bedtimes is a podcast with a collection of bedtime stories designed to help your little one relax and create calming, mindful moments of connection at bedtime. No ads, no interruptions, and each episode is fifteen minutes or less. It's time to discover a better bedtime.

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Vaginal Tears During Birth: Prevention, Healing, and What to Expect is an episode from Pregnancy Podcast by Vanessa Merten.

This episode is 49:30 long.

This episode was published on Mar 15, 2026.

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