American rapper Cardi B recently opened up about the difficult experiences she faced during delivery, while also announcing that she is expecting her fourth child.
“My second baby, he too big — he broke me,” Cardi, whose real name is Belcalis Marlenis Almánzar, said during her appearance on The Breakfast Club. Speaking about her first delivery, she added: “The first one, I had to stitch,” before clarifying that she was referring to her vagina. “Oh yeah, I ripped.”
She recalled how recovery was equally tough. When asked by the co-host how she managed to use the bathroom after delivery, Cardi described it as “hard.” Yet, with each pregnancy, she noticed a difference. “But that’s what I’m saying — now things are just a little different and I’m more experienced,” she explained. Looking ahead to her upcoming delivery, she said, “Like, the third one was so easy, so I’m expecting this one to be as easy as well, in the name of the Lord. That’s why I’m like, ‘I just did it last year. I can do it [again].’”
Why do some women experience tearing or need stitches during childbirth, and what factors can influence whether it happens?
Dr Gaana Sreenivas, obstetrician and gynaecologist at Bone and Birth Clinic and Rainbow Hospital, Bannerghatta Road, tells indianexpress.com, “During a vaginal birth, the baby’s head and shoulders stretch the vaginal opening and the surrounding perineal tissues. If the tissues do not stretch enough or the baby descends quickly, small to deep tears can occur.”
She adds that factors such as the baby’s size, the speed of labor, the position of the baby, and whether this is a first delivery can all increase the likelihood. Use of instruments like forceps or vacuum, or a prolonged second stage of labor, can also contribute. Good perineal support during delivery and controlled pushing often helps reduce the risk.
Most effective ways to manage recovery from painful childbirth injuries
Recovery begins with proper wound care, rest, and pain management. Dr Sreenivas recommends, “Warm sitz baths help soothe the area and keep it clean. Applying ice packs in the first 24 hours can reduce swelling. Over-the-counter pain relief prescribed by the doctor and gentle pelvic floor exercises after a few days aid healing.”
High fibre foods and adequate fluids prevent constipation and straining during bowel movements, Dr Sreenivas adds, which can be very important for comfort and recovery. Regular follow-up with the gynecologist ensures that the stitches are healing well and there is no infection. Prenatal exercises can significantly reduce the need for episiotomies and stitches.
Story continues below this ad
Can subsequent pregnancies and deliveries become easier, and what role does experience, body changes, or medical care play in that?
Many women do find later deliveries smoother. After the first birth, the pelvic tissues and muscles may be more flexible, and the cervix can dilate more readily.
“Experience also reduces anxiety, helping mothers work with their contractions more effectively. Good prenatal care, monitoring of the baby’s position and size, and guidance from an experienced obstetric team remain essential for every pregnancy, as each labor is unique,” notes Dr Sreenivas.
DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.