For many women, the thought of childbirth is associated with a fear of tearing and breaking the perineum. Tears are actually more the rule than the exception. In fact, over 50% of all women in labor experience having to have stitches after giving birth. In this article, Julie tells us why this happens and what you can do yourself.

Article written by Julie Carøe,
midwife and founder of "SammenMedJer "

Why do you burst?

For many women, stretch marks are a topic of conversation that takes up a lot of time before giving birth. For others, it comes as a surprise after giving birth, as they have never given it a thought before. Stretch marks are actually more the rule than the exception. In fact, over 50% of all women in labor experience stitches after giving birth.

During the last phase of labor, there is a lot of pressure inside the vagina and on the perineum. In the old days, almost all women had a preventive cut in their perineum before the head was born. This is no longer standard practice - and has not been practiced in Denmark for a long time.

This is primarily because it is not necessary, but also because several studies have shown that what ruptures naturally also heals better. If necessary, a cut can still be made, but only if the child is affected by the birth or other severe complications.

For many women, stretch marks are a topic of conversation that takes up a lot of time before giving birth. For others, it comes as a surprise after giving birth, as they have never given it a thought before. Stretch marks are actually more the rule than the exception. In fact, over 50% of all women in labor experience stitches after giving birth.

During the last phase of labor, there is a lot of pressure inside the vagina and on the perineum. In the old days, almost all women had a preventive cut in their perineum before the head was born. This is no longer standard practice - and has not been practiced in Denmark for a long time.

This is primarily because it is not necessary, but also because several studies have shown that what ruptures naturally also heals better. If necessary, a cut can still be made, but only if the child is affected by the birth or other severe complications.

Also read the article "After birth - Good to know"

When we talk about ruptures during childbirth, it is important to know that we rupture differently and that there are different degrees of rupture. Grade 1-4. Where 1 is mild, superficial wounds that either do not need to be sewn, or where you can just get 1-2 stitches to help healing. Grade 4 is a full rupture where the sphincter muscle is also involved and it requires a trip to the operating room with proper anesthesia.