I think there are two arguments about perineums... If one chooses to sit and chat about them :)

Firstly, nature gave us all that we need to birth a baby, perineum included. Therefore, the only reason a perineum tears, is when we intervene.

Perineal tears generally happen in the following scenarios:
*Poor Birthing positions (such as on your back..)
*The use of Forceps or Ventous extraction in birth
*Pushing too hard, or too early (can be as a result of coached pushing)
*Previous episiotomy scarring


The second argument, is that while nature has given us amazing bodies, it doesn't hurt to help them a long a bit.

If your perineum tearing is a concern, there are few thins you can proactively do during pregnancy, and labour to assist it to stretch.

You can consider Perineal Massage - which is basically manually stretching the area. It should feel uncomforable, like a chinese burn, if it doesn't burn a little bit, you're not stretching.

Warm packs and oil massages as the baby crowns. Gentle support of the perineum may well be all that is needed to help it stretch to accomodate a baby.

Birthing in water, improves the elasticity of the skin, and supports the perineum.

Lubricating the area with vitamin E or Jojoba oil daily in the last few weeks of pregnancy may help improve elasticity. You can also try olive oil, or almond oil. Be sure to patch test before you slather the whole area in something you may potentially be allergic to!

Consider nature, cows, rabits, dogs, cats (all animals to the best of my knowledge) birth in instinctive positions, not even considering the impact of tearing. Nature didn’t get it quite as wrong as our obstetritcians would have us believe…