07/30/2026
We hear all of the time that pregnant women assume they need to do Kegels to prepare for birth to get "stronger".
But when it comes to reducing the risk of tearing, the goal is actually the opposite.
Your pelvic floor needs to learn how to relax and lengthen so your baby can move through the birth canal without excessive force on the surrounding tissues.
That is where perineal massage, open glottis pushing, and working with a pelvic floor PT come in.
We just published a full guide covering what causes tearing, the four grades of perineal tears, the best pushing positions, and what recovery looks like. If you are pregnant and want to feel as prepared as possible before labor, this is a great read!
Learn what causes perineal tearing during birth, the types of tears, and how pelvic floor PT, pushing positions, and perineal massage can reduce your risk.