WeMoms
2 Apr 2024

Understanding Perineal Tears

Childbirth
Stages of labor
Understanding Perineal Tears
Perineal tears are a common occurrence during childbirth and refer to the tearing of the perineum, the area between the vaginal opening and the anus.
While the thought of perineal tears can be concerning, it's important to remember that many tears heal well with proper care and support.
Here's what you should know about perineal tears:
Types of Perineal Tears
  • First-Degree Tear: A first-degree tear involves a superficial tear in the perineal skin. It typically doesn't require stitches and heals relatively quickly.
  • Second-Degree Tear: A second-degree tear extends deeper into the perineal muscles. It may require stitches and a longer healing time.
  • Third-Degree Tear: A third-degree tear extends further into the anal sphincter muscles. It requires stitches and may take longer to heal.
  • Fourth-Degree Tear: A fourth-degree tear extends through the anal sphincter muscles and the rectal lining. It requires stitches and careful management for proper healing.
Risk Factors
  • First-Time Pregnancy: First-time mothers may have a higher risk of perineal tears due to the stretching of the perineal tissues during delivery.
  • Baby's Size: A larger baby or a rapid delivery can increase the risk of perineal tears.
  • Instrument-Assisted Delivery: The use of forceps or vacuum extraction during delivery may increase the likelihood of perineal tears.
  • Episiotomy: In some cases, an episiotomy (a surgical incision to enlarge the vaginal opening) may be performed to prevent more extensive tearing. However, routine episiotomies are no longer a standard practice.
Management and Healing
  • Stitches and Pain Relief: If you experience a second-degree tear or higher, your healthcare provider will clean the area and may administer local anesthesia before stitching the tear. Pain relief options, such as ice packs, pain medications, or topical ointments, may be recommended to help manage discomfort.
  • Perineal Care: Keeping the perineal area clean and dry is important for healing. Follow your healthcare provider's instructions for perineal care, which may include using warm water, gentle cleansing techniques, and avoiding harsh soaps or wipes.
  • Pain Management: Over-the-counter pain relievers, sitz baths, warm compresses, and gentle stretching exercises may help alleviate pain and promote healing. Consult with your healthcare provider for specific recommendations.
Recovery and Self-Care
  • Rest and Recovery: Adequate rest and relaxation are crucial during the postpartum period to allow your body to heal. Limit strenuous activities and give yourself time to recover.
  • Pelvic Floor Exercises: Gentle pelvic floor exercises, such as Kegels, can help strengthen the muscles in the perineal area and promote healing. Consult with a healthcare provider or a pelvic floor specialist for guidance.
  • Emotional Support: Healing from a perineal tear can be emotionally challenging. Seek support from your partner, family, friends, or healthcare providers to help you navigate any feelings of discomfort or anxiety.
Dig deeper
Understanding My Perineum
2 min read
Perineum Post-Partum: Your Questions
2 min read
A
Ang
7 Jul 2023

Perineal massaging is something I wish I did before giving birth to my 1st child.. it's suppose help you from tearing. Have yall heard of this? Or you will be doing it?

Childbirth Stages of labor
10 comments
A
Ang
My question is how do I reach down there? I can barely bend. Lol
27 Mar 2024

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✨👶🏽Lovely👣✨
I know right!
27 Mar 2024

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T
Tammy
9 Nov 2022

Why does no one talk about going pee after have a vaginal delivery? I have first and second degree perineal tears (first degree on top, and second on bottom) because my son had shoulder dysplasia (50 seconds). But I find myself crying while peeing because it burns so bad and I read it’ll take several weeks to heal😔😭 I just feel like I can’t take it anymore with all the pain. It hurts more than anything

Childbirth Stages of labor
23 comments
S
Stephanie
Sorry to hear this. From my older son I had just this as well. He ripped me all the way to the back and got stitches. Peeing was so painful. I was given no medications just told to take Tylenol. Warm baths might help. Not wiping and just rinsing with very warm water is what helped me bear it until you heal.😥
27 Mar 2024

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Alicia🍂🎃🌙
Yeah it does hurt.. they gave me a spray to use and I have my peri bottle too. that stinging feeling is awful, pain killers help too
27 Mar 2024

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L
Lexi
14 Oct 2022

Just had my baby last week and had second degree tears 😭. I know this is pretty standard but the healing journey is so stressful. Anyone know if bright red blood and waves of pain happen during the second week of your perineal healing? I know it’s supposed to start feeling better but last night I was in pain like the first few days in the hospital and it didn’t get better until I took some ibuprofen/put an ice pack on it. I know the itchiness is normal but I can’t help but to think I might have overdone it a few days ago (lifting stuff, bending down) and now suffering the consequences.

Childbirth Stages of labor
4 comments
K
Kathleen
Be careful... I ended up having a "late postpartum hemorrhage" I almost bled out and died... if you have blurry vision or any symptom that is not a normal for you, do not hesitate to go in and get checked! I went in for blurry vision and two hours later my husband was rushing me to the ER in town where I sat bleeding out for 3 hours before they finally transported me to a hospital that would do a D&C...
27 Mar 2024

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Lexi
I don’t have these symptoms and I’m not bleeding too much, just the blood has now changed colors? I’ll definitely call my doctor tomorrow though, that sounds so scary!
27 Mar 2024

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