Simple exercises may prevent severe tears during childbirth

This study looked at whether a structured pelvic floor muscle training program during pregnancy could reduce serious tears during vaginal birth. 300 first-time mothers with low-risk pregnancies took part. Some chose to do supervised pelvic floor exercises twice a week plus daily home exercises, while others received standard care. The researchers compared rates of severe perineal tears, episiotomies, labor duration, and postpartum urinary incontinence between the groups.