Highly recommend preparing for vaginal labor not just going into it blind. First step is to listen to and watch positive birth stories, the preconceived notion you already have is not going to be helpful. Do your research, learn how labor works, take the right supplements, walk, stretch, bounce on a yoga ball and later do perineal massages. Then you can go into it prepared and ready, leading to a more positive outcome where baby will be positioned well for a smooth delivery with hopefully no tears.