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One of the biggest childbirth fears is tearing while you push your baby out.\u00a0 Unfortunately, most hospitals increase the risk.\u00a0 Here\u2019s what you need to know:<\/p>\n
Risk Booster 1: No Prenatal Education<\/strong><\/p>\n The first steps to prevent tearing happen during pregnancy<\/em>.\u00a0 If nobody is talking to you about that, you miss the window!\u00a0 Nutrition, conditioning, and more make a difference \u2013 if you start them at the right time.<\/p>\n Most women have only basic information about childbirth. Birth is described as a mechanical process, rather than a hormone-driven journey.<\/p>\n You can prepare for a gentle birth when you understand how important hormones are (and your mindset, too).<\/p>\n Risk Booster #2: Valsalva Pushing<\/strong><\/p>\n The Valsalva maneuver is standard in hospitals and is what you usually see in movies and shows. You\u2019re in bed with your legs in stirrups.\u00a0 Then, you hold your breath and push to the count of ten.<\/p>\n This technique is great for the doctor but difficult for you and your baby.\u00a0 It lowers everyone’s oxygen levels, reducing blood flow to the uterus, your baby, and tissues that need to be soft for birth.<\/p>\n Risk Booster #3: Forced Pushing at 10 cm<\/strong><\/p>\n Most care providers want you to start pushing when you hit 10 cm\u2026<\/p>\n \u2026but your body and baby may not be ready for pushing.\u00a0 Letting your baby move down a bit gives the tissues of your perineum time to open.\u00a0<\/p>\n When you wait to push until you feel the urge, and only push how you want, you\u2019re more likely to birth your baby gently!<\/p>\n (NOTE:<\/strong> Trying to balance your pregnancy, life, and getting ready for baby? Use my checklist pack stay healthy (naturally), organized, and confident throughout your pregnancy! Get them here<\/a>.)<\/p>\n