There are several things that your birth attendants can do to help you deliver without tearing. One is to apply hot compresses to your lower belly, vulva and perineum during the early part of second stage to keep the tissues supple and aid relaxation. Then once the head starts to be visible at the vaginal opening, your attendant or husband should begin to massage the perineum (the area between the vagina and anus) in between contractions. You can also massage the area yourself, both during pregnancy and during labor.
