Tearing might be on your mind as you get nearer to the birth of your baby. We know you are worried about the pain and how it might impact on your pelvic floor health. Your sex life. Your continence.For first time mamas, please know everybody gets a little bit of tearing. Whether it is a little - like a graze, or a lot, like a rare fourth degree tear - depends on a few factors and we have tips in this episode to help prevent or minimise your tearing. We also talk about what to do after you have birthed your baby to give you the best chance of pelvic floor recovery.In this episode we talk about:Some anatomy. Perineum, anus, vulva. All the good bits.Things to prevent or minimise tearing.How a pregnancy coach can help slow tearing in the pushing phase of labour.What is an episiotomy and when might it be used.The difference between a first, second, third and fourth degree tear.What we mean by “Don’t fear the tear, it’s the undiagnosed tear without repair”We answer a listener’s question “should I have a Caesarean to avoid tearing?"Why you should have a full inspection of your perineum on the day of giving birth.What to do for your second baby if you’ve had tearing with your first.+MOREWhy did we start this podcast? Well we think there is a barrier for women to get EXPERT pregnancy info that is practical, relatable and easy to understand.Dr Pat has helped 1000s of women have their babies and through this we know that this kind of information given to a woman at the right time can totally change her experience of pregnancy and birth.We invite you to do our free pregnancy quiz at www.growmybaby.com.auThank you to Matchy Mumma for sponsoring this episode of The Kick Pregnancy PodcastUse the code 'THEKICK' at checkout for a discounthttps://matchymumma.com/  LINKS Instagram @thekickpregnancypodcast_ Facebook @thekickpregnancypodcast Ask a question on the podcast:  Send a voice message to     GrowMyBaby Join the Grow My Baby Program