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During childbirth, the tissue surrounding your vagina and anus could get injured. This is called a vaginal tear, or perineal laceration as the perineum is the space between your vagina and anus. 

What Causes a Vaginal Tear During Childbirth?

The skin around your vagina thins out during a vaginal delivery. This stretching is essential to provide enough room for your baby’s head and body to get through without any harm. Despite this stretching, however, about 90% of women suffer some degree of tear during childbirth.

Are You at Risk of A Tear?

You have a higher chance of having a vaginal tear during childbirth if:

• You are having your first baby
• Your baby was face up and not face down during childbirth 
• Instruments like forceps or a vacuum were used during the delivery 
• You are having a big baby (greater than 8pounds) 
• Your labour was prolonged (especially the second stage of pushing) 
• You are Asian 
• You had an epidural.

If you think you may be at risk of having a vaginal tear during childbirth, speak to your healthcare provider. 

Degrees of Vaginal Tears

Vaginal tears are generally divided into four grades, based on the degree of severity. 

• First-degree Tear: This is the smallest and least severe tear. It is a minor wound that affects only the outermost part of the skin near your vagina and perineum. Typically, no stitches are necessary.
• Second-degree Tear: This is the most common vaginal tear. It is a bit larger than the first and extends deeper through the outer layer of skin to the vaginal muscles underneath. This tear needs to be stitched up. 
• Third-degree Tear: This is a tear that extends to the area between your vagina and anus.  It involves damage to the perineal skin and muscles and the anal sphincter which controls your bowel movements. A tear of this level requires stitches. 
• Fourth-degree Tear: This is the rarest type of tear. However, it is also the most severe. It extends from the vagina, down the perineum, the anal sphincter muscles, and the rectum. This type of tear may require surgical repair as it may not be correctable in the delivery room with stitches. 

Potential Complications of Vaginal Tears

Although they may initially cause a lot of discomfort, most vaginal tears will heal without any complications. Nevertheless, some potential complications may arise with the more severe tears. Some of these include: 

• Bleeding
• Infections
• Pain and soreness around the vagina and perineum
• Faecal incontinence
• Pain during sex 

Management of Vaginal Tears

The choice of treatment or repair of a vaginal tear depends on the degree of injury. Most first-degree tears require no stitches and are left to heal on their own. Second and third-degree tears will require stitches, but this can be done in the delivery room. These stitches are usually dissolvable and melt away in about 6 weeks.

However, a fourth-degree tear might require you to be transferred to the operating room for surgical repair, especially if you are losing a lot of blood.

Home Remedies For Vaginal Tears 

Childbirth can leave you feeling very sore, especially if you suffer a tear. However, you can try a few remedies at home to relieve some of the discomfort. No matter the degree of tear you have, here are some things you could try: 

• Use lukewarm water in a peri-bottle (squirt bottle) to clean up after using the bathroom.
• Pat your perineal area dry with toilet paper instead of wiping.
• Drink plenty of water and use a stool softener to prevent constipation.
• Apply ice packs directly or wear a  special sanitary pad with a cold pack inside.
• Take a sitz bath on a bathtub or bucket filled with warm water.
• Sit down on a doughnut-shaped pillow to help remove the pressure from your perineum.
• Use over-the-counter pain medications if your health care provider approves. You could also try pain-relieving numbing sprays.

Can I Have a Vaginal Delivery if I Had a Tear Previously?

Yes, you can. Having a vaginal tear now does not mean you will have another tear during your next delivery. On the contrary, the risk of you getting a vaginal tear reduces with each delivery. However, always discuss your fears and your birthing options with your healthcare provider. 

A Word From Edie and Amy

Vaginal tears are very common during childbirth. However, most women will only experience mild tears and heal completely within a few weeks after childbirth. Several home remedies listed in this article can help make the healing process easier and less uncomfortable. As always, we encourage you to speak to your healthcare provider both before and after childbirth about any concerns you have and the treatment options available for you.

Postpartum infections, also known as “Puerperal Fever,” is an umbrella term that would include any infection in the postpartum recovery period, which is typically considered to be at least the first six weeks after childbirth. 

Postpartum infections are infections of the genitourinary tract (which is composed of the kidneys, ureters, bladder, urethra, and genital organs), surgical wounds, and breast that develop after the first 24 hours and into the first six weeks after childbirth.

Types of Postpartum Infections

There are various types of postpartum infections. Some of them include:

• Inflammation and infection of the uterus called Endometriosis.
• Infection or swelling of the breast tissue.
• Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
• Surgical site infections for moms who had an episiotomy or Caesarian section.
• Intravenous or IV line infection.

Recognize the Signs

How postpartum symptoms appear at first varies depending on where the infection is. However, in general, the most common signs of postpartum infections are:

• Severe pelvic or abdominal pain.
• Foul-smelling vaginal discharge. 
• Fever and flu-like symptoms such as headaches, weakness, nausea, and loss of appetite.
• Persistent bleeding or heavy bleeding with blood clots.
• Little or no bleeding after delivery.
• Rapid heart rate and breathing problems.
• Inflammation, discharge or redness around the C-section incision or perineal tear. 
• Pain in one or both of your breasts. 
• Vaginal itching, difficulty when urinating or extremely dark urine

If you suspect that you have a postpartum infection, do not ignore your symptoms. Let your doctor or healthcare provider know right away. Your doctor will help you determine whether or not you have an infection and will decide on the appropriate treatment for you if you do.

Causes Of Postpartum Infection

Here are some of the causes of developing an infection after childbirth:

• Excessive bleeding after delivery
• Weak immune system
• Leftover placental fragments in the uterus after delivery
• Streptococcus, a bacteria that is typically harmless in adults
• Smoking and alcohol or substance use
• Excess weight 
• Anaemia
• Prolonged labour

Risk Factors

You are more at risk of an infection if you:

• Had a caesarean delivery (C-section)
• Had a sexually transmitted infection (STI) at the time of delivery
• Have a history of diabetes
• Were pregnant at an older or very young age
• Have a history of hypertension (high blood pressure) 

Treatment Options for Postpartum Infections

Antibiotics are nearly always needed to treat postpartum infections. Depending on the infection and how severe it is, these medications may be either orally or intravenously.

Although the majority of antibiotics used to treat postpartum infections are safe to use while nursing, be sure to check with your doctor.

How to Protect Yourself

Even though it Is not always possible to avoid postpartum infections, there are preventive measures you can take to lower your risk. 

• If something appears off, call your doctor right away. 
• Make sure to wash your hands before touching your genital area.
• Wipe from front to back after going to the bathroom.
• do not use rough paper or scented wet towels to clean the vagina.
• Only use maxi pads, and not tampons, for postpartum bleeding.
• Do not engage in sexual activity right away after giving birth.
• Change your bras frequently. 
• Clean your breasts both before and after breastfeeding.
• Change and clean your bedding frequently.
• Frequently change your underwear to keep the vagina dry

Take Home Message 

Know that the majority of postpartum infections can be treated by yourself and with the use of prescribed antibiotics. So try not to worry. However, regardless of how easily these infections can be treated, do not take them lightly. Make sure to pay close attention to your body and always seek medical attention if you feel like something is wrong. That way, you can get right back to enjoying your baby and motherhood.

Spotting or light bleeding after sex is not uncommon during pregnancy, especially in the first trimester. This is because the cervix becomes more sensitive during pregnancy due to increased blood flow. Also, hormonal changes can also cause the cervix to bleed more easily.

However, it is always important to inform your healthcare provider if you experience any bleeding during pregnancy, including after sex. They may want to examine you to ensure that everything is okay with you and your baby.

In this article, you will find out if spotting after sex is normal, what can cause spotting after pregnancy, and how to prevent and treat spotting after pregnancy.

Is spotting after sex during pregnancy normal?

Spotting after sex, also known as post-coital bleeding, is not always normal and can have several causes. Therefore, it’s important to determine the underlying cause in order to determine whether it’s normal or not.

In some cases, spotting after sex can be normal, especially if it’s a person’s first sexual experience or due to vaginal dryness during intercourse. However, if the spotting or bleeding is persistent or accompanied by pain, discomfort, or other symptoms, it could be a sign of an underlying medical condition that requires attention.

If you experience spotting after sex, it’s important to speak with a healthcare provider to determine the cause. This way, your doctor can map out an appropriate treatment plan. They may perform a pelvic exam, Pap test, or other tests to diagnose the underlying issue.

Can having sex during pregnancy cause spotting?

Sex during pregnancy is generally safe for most women with uncomplicated pregnancies. However, it is possible for sexual activity to cause some vaginal spotting or bleeding during pregnancy, especially in the first trimester.

Spotting after sex during pregnancy can occur because the cervix (the opening to the uterus) is more sensitive and engorged with blood during pregnancy. As a result, even minor trauma to the cervix during sex can cause some bleeding. This is more likely to occur in the first trimester when the cervix is still closed and more sensitive.

If you experience vaginal bleeding or spotting after sex during pregnancy, it’s important to inform your healthcare provider. While spotting after sex is usually not a cause for concern, it’s essential to rule out any underlying medical conditions that may be contributing to the bleeding.

In general, it’s important to talk to your healthcare provider about what activities are safe for you during pregnancy and what to watch out for in terms of warning signs of complications.

Causes of spotting after sex during pregnancy 

Spotting after sex during pregnancy can be caused by various factors. Some possible causes include:

Cervical irritation: The cervix, which is the opening to the uterus, can become irritated and bleed during pregnancy due to increased blood flow and sensitivity.

Infection: An infection in the vagina or cervix can cause bleeding after sex during pregnancy. This can include sexually transmitted infections (STIs) or bacterial vaginosis.

Cervical polyp: A cervical polyp is a growth on the cervix that can cause bleeding after sex during pregnancy. These polyps are usually benign and do not pose a risk to the pregnancy.

Placenta previa: Placenta previa is a condition where the placenta partially or completely covers the cervix, causing bleeding. This condition requires medical attention and monitoring, as it can be dangerous for the mother and baby.

Miscarriage: In some cases, bleeding after sex during pregnancy can be a sign of miscarriage. If you experience any other symptoms such as cramping or heavy bleeding, seek medical attention immediately.

Vaginal dryness: If there is not enough vaginal lubrication during sex, it can cause irritation and bleeding.

Cervical or uterine cancer: Bleeding after sex can be a symptom of cervical or uterine cancer.

Trauma or injury: Rough sex or injury to the genital area can cause bleeding.

Hormonal changes: Fluctuations in hormones can cause changes in the thickness and health of vaginal tissue, which can lead to bleeding after sex.

Preventing spotting after sex during pregnancy

Here are some tips on how to prevent spotting after sex:

Use lubrication: Vaginal dryness can cause friction during sex, leading to small tears or cuts in the vaginal tissue. Using a water-based lubricant can help reduce friction and prevent bleeding.

Practice safe sex: Using condoms during sex can help prevent infections that may cause bleeding. Additionally, condoms can help reduce friction during sex, which can prevent vaginal tears.

Communicate with your partner: If you experience pain or discomfort during sex, it’s important to communicate with your partner. They may need to adjust their technique or use more lubrication.

Get regular check-ups: Regular gynecological exams can help detect and treat any abnormalities in the cervix or other parts of the reproductive system that may cause bleeding after sex.

Avoid sex during menstruation: Having sex during your period can increase the risk of bleeding, so it’s best to avoid it during this time.

Seek medical attention: If bleeding after sex persists or is accompanied by other symptoms such as pain or discharge, it’s important to seek medical attention. Your doctor can help determine the underlying cause and recommend the appropriate treatment.

Treatment of spotting after sex during pregnancy 

It is always advisable to consult with your healthcare provider if you experience spotting or bleeding during pregnancy, especially after sex. Your healthcare provider may perform a pelvic exam and order an ultrasound to check the health of your pregnancy and rule out any possible complications.

Depending on the cause of the spotting, your healthcare provider may recommend the following treatments:

Rest: Your healthcare provider may advise you to rest and avoid any strenuous activity, including sexual intercourse.

Pelvic rest: This may be recommended if there is a risk of preterm labor or if the spotting is caused by cervical changes. Pelvic rest involves avoiding sexual intercourse, tampons, douching, and anything else that could irritate the cervix.

Medications: If the spotting is caused by an infection or inflammation, your healthcare provider may prescribe antibiotics or anti-inflammatory medication.

Bed rest: In some cases, bed rest may be recommended to prevent further bleeding and ensure the health of the pregnancy.

Conclusion

It is essential to follow your healthcare provider’s advice and attend all follow-up appointments to ensure that you and your baby are healthy. If the bleeding is heavy, accompanied by cramping or abdominal pain, or if you experience a sudden increase in bleeding, seek medical attention immediately.

It is not uncommon for some pregnant women to experience changes in their bowel movements. This is because hormonal changes, dietary changes, and uterine pressure can all contribute to digestive issues during pregnancy, including constipation. As a result, having a conversation about pregnancy poop is really important while expecting.

Yes, pregnancy poop is not the most exciting subject to discuss. However, knowing what to expect can reduce the element of surprise and alleviate anxiety when the unexpected occurs.

In this article, you will learn about bowel movements and their effect on pregnancy poop. Keep reading to learn more!

Bowel movement during pregnancy

Interestingly, the first thing to note about pregnancy poop is that there may be times when it just doesn’t come.

Yes, constipation is a common complaint during pregnancy and hormonal changes in the body cause it. Progesterone, an essential hormone for maintaining a healthy pregnancy, can cause the muscles in the digestive tract to relax, leading to slower movement of food through the intestines.

Constipation symptoms include hard, dry stools, bloating, and straining. Experiencing gas or stomach pain is likely the last thing anyone would want to deal with while pregnant.

The good news is that constipation can be taken care of. Drink plenty of fluids, particularly water, to soften stools and make them easier to pass. In addition, increase fiber intake; this includes eating more fruits and vegetables.

Constipation is not only physically unpleasant, but it can also cause strain. Small rectal tears (fissures) or swollen veins can result from this (hemorrhoids). Both can cause rectum bleeding, usually a small amount of blood that appears pink or bright red.

Anal fissures and hemorrhoids can heal on their own. However, to avoid the occurrence of new ones, avoid constipation and avoid straining.

Causes of changes in bowel movements during pregnancy

Some of the most common causes include:

1. Hormonal changes: As mentioned before, hormonal changes during pregnancy can cause the muscles in the digestive tract to relax, leading to slower food movement through the intestines.

2. Prenatal vitamins: Some prenatal vitamins can cause constipation due to their high iron content.

3. Dehydration: Not drinking enough fluids can cause constipation.

4. Diet: Eating a diet low in fiber or high in processed foods can contribute to constipation.

5. Pressure on the intestines: As the uterus expands, it can put pressure on the intestines, leading to changes in bowel movements.

6. Medications: Some medications can cause constipation or diarrhea as a side effect.

7. Stress and anxiety: Stress and anxiety can impact the digestive system, leading to changes in bowel movements.

However, straining to open the bowels is one of the most significant risk factors for long-term pelvic floor issues such as incontinence, prolapse, and hemorrhoids. 

The pelvic floor is already weakened during pregnancy due to the impact of hormones on the tissues preparing it for birth. Pressure is intense from the baby’s weight passing through the pelvic floor all day, so extra straining caused by constipation or poor bowel habits is the last thing a pelvic floor needs.

Unusual poop colors

Of course, just like urine color changes, the color of stools can change during pregnancy. Normal stools are light to dark brown, but your poop may turn green during pregnancy.

Prenatal vitamins and iron supplements are known to change the color of poop from brown to green. If you take an antibiotic while pregnant, you may experience green bowel movements.

Although food dyes can darken stools, a dark color can also indicate bleeding in your digestive tract. During pregnancy, very dark stools are also possible. If you notice black or tarry poop, contact your doctor.

What to do to poop properly

1. Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day to keep stools soft and easy to pass.

2. Eat a fiber-rich diet: Include plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes to help keep bowel movements regular.

3. Exercise regularly: Regular physical activity can help stimulate the digestive system and promote regular bowel movements.

4. Take prenatal vitamins: Many prenatal vitamins contain iron, which can contribute to constipation. To help counteract this, ensure you’re getting enough fiber and fluids in your diet.

5. Talk to a healthcare provider: If you’re experiencing persistent constipation or other digestive issues during pregnancy, talk to your healthcare provider. They can recommend safe and effective treatments to help manage your symptoms.

6.  Using the toilet frequently and adequately: means using it as soon as you feel like you have to go, Do not let poop sit in your rectum and dry up, making it more difficult and hence more likely to strain. 

Seating on a toilet seat instead of squatting like cavemen also causes strain in the toilet.

Here are steps to properly using the modern-day toilet during pregnancy:

Step 1:  feel like using the toilet? GO!

Step 2: Get a small stool to put your feet on, and raise your knees as high as possible. Some clever tricks! If necessary, modify by standing on your toes or placing your feet on toilet paper rolls or a backpack.

Step 3: Maintaining a straight back, bring your upper body forward, so your pelvis tips forward. Place your elbows on your knees and relax.

Step 4: Breathe normally and resist the urge to hold your breath. It is critical to breathe and not hold your breath.

Step 5: If you require assistance, you can generate abdominal assistance by pushing your belly out (rather than straining in and out).

A Final Note on Pregnancy Poop

Pregnancy poop may not be something you want to discuss, but it is something you must consider.

Pregnancy can affect every part of your body, so expect some changes in your bowels as well. Remember that every pregnancy is unique. The key is anticipating changes so you know when they occur.

Finally, you should consult your doctor if you notice blood in your stool during pregnancy. They will be able to assist in determining the cause.