I was on my back with my 1st didn't tear trick is to listen and not push when baby crowns but sometimes Hun you can do everything your told and what happens will happen either way

being in a position that gravity can help with and listen to ur midwife and relax i know its hard but u have to

I tore, but it honestly was no big deal!! I had stitches and a wonderful recovery!! I had a water birth :)

I've heard kegels and perineal massage can help reduce your chances of tearing. And yes totally agree with PP about only pushing when you're having a contraction...with DS I was one contraction away from him being out and I got too impatient and just kept pushing even without the contraction so I think that contributed to me tearing ? but I got the epidural and didn't even notice I tore or even that I was being sewn up. The stitches didn't bother me either when I was healing cause everything just kind of sucks down there anyway ?

My daughter came fast when I hit 10. She was out in 2 minutes and I had no control over the pushing since my body did it on its own. She was one ounce short of 8 pounds and I didn't tear. I didn't do anything special to prevent it ahead of time or during. But I was on all fours and pushed while sitting on the floor on my knees.

Thanks guys. Im already self conscious about myself down there. Plus I don't want the stitches. I assume they are uncomfortable and I can be moody when I'm uncomfortable

and didn't feel a thing at the time.

I had an episiotomy and I still tore (3rd degree tear). Sore after but no lasting damage and no difference down below! Don't worry about it - what will be will be.

I had an episiotomy so I wouldn't tear, my whole labor was 3 hours total and my body had no time to stretch. I had a few stitches and healed really well. I feel it's easier to stitch and heal a straight line then a jagged tear. I've read that if your labor is long enough the body stretches naturally but unfortunately we can't control it.

Perineum massage, evening primrose oil will help start the massage around 34 weeks evening primrose oil around 38 weeks

I have heard being on all fours helps. Only push with contractions. Dont rush it. My baby came so quick after i hit 10 cm my body didnt have time to stretch so i just tore. I also squatted so that gravity would help move baby through. Kegals beore can help and i have heard doctor massaging or rubbing the perineum during you pushing helps also.