The Basics
Written by the doctors and editors at UpToDate � �
What are maternal injuries from childbirth? " � Maternal injuries from childbirth are tears in the skin and muscle around the "perineum. " � The perineum is the area between the opening of the vagina and the anus. Some of these injuries are minor and tear only the skin. Others are more serious and can tear skin and muscle. In some cases, the tear goes from the vagina to the anus. These injuries are also called "perineal injuries. " � � �
What causes maternal injuries from childbirth? " � These injuries happen when the perineum does not have time to stretch during labor. The babys head or shoulders tear the perineum during birth. The tears are more likely to happen if: � �
- The baby is very large
- The mother is giving birth for the first time
- The doctor or midwife helps pull the baby out with a device that holds onto the baby's head. This might be done if the baby gets partly stuck in the birth canal.
Doctors and midwives sometimes cut the perineum just before the baby comes out to make the opening of the vagina larger. This is called an "episiotomy. " � � �
How are maternal injuries from childbirth treated? " � Minor skin tears often need no treatment and heal on their own. If you have a tear that goes deeper, your doctor or midwife will use stitches to repair the tear. These stitches dissolve over time and do not need to be taken out. � �
What can I do to feel better while my injury heals? " � Some people feel better if they: � �
- Take "sitz " � baths " � This is a shallow, warm bath that helps clean and heal the perineum. Take them twice a day for 30 minutes each.
- Take medicines to relieve pain, such as acetaminophen (sample brand name: Tylenol) or ibuprofen (sample brand names: Advil, Motrin).
If you got stitches for a serious tear, your doctor or midwife might recommend foods or medicines to keep your bowel movements soft. This makes you less likely to strain to push out a bowel movement, which might reopen the tear. � �
You shouldn't have sex until the tears heal. Sex can be painful and might reopen the tear. � �
Can maternal injuries from childbirth be prevented? " � Sometimes. You are less likely to have a vaginal injury during childbirth if you control your pushing when you give birth. This helps the perineum to stretch slowly, making it less likely to tear. � �
All topics are updated as new evidence becomes available and our peer review process is complete. � �
This topic retrieved from UpToDate on: Nov 04, 2014. � �
Topic 82904 Version 3.0 � �
Release: 22.8 - C22.206 � �
� � 2014 UpToDate, Inc. All rights reserved. � �
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you.The use of UpToDate content is governed by the UpToDate Terms of Use. � �2014 UpToDate, Inc. All rights reserved. � �
Copyright
� � 2014 UpToDate, Inc. All rights reserved. � �