Read up on Childbirth, tear or cut treatment options at Consumer Reports Health.

Childbirth, tear or cut

Key points about treatments

During childbirth it's not always possible to avoid a tear or cut in your perineum (the area between your vagina and anal opening). But there are things you and your doctor or midwife can do to reduce the risk.

The best way to avoid a cut in your perineum is to have your baby in a hospital that trains doctors and midwives to do a cut only if it's really needed.
Having a birth partner with you during labor can help to slightly reduce the chances of your baby being delivered by forceps (a pair of large tongs) or vacuum pump. But the studies we looked at found this didn't reduce the chances of needing stitches because of a tear or cut.
An epidural anesthetic (a painkilling injection given in your spine) is good for pain relief. But it increases your chances needing stitches because of a tear or cut.
If you need help to get the baby out, there is less chance of a tear with a vacuum pump than with forceps. With the vacuum pump, your baby may get a blood blister or slight bleeding inside his or her eyes. But your baby will soon recover without any lasting problems.
There's no evidence from research that having a water birth reduces the risk of a tear or cut during childbirth.

This information was last updated on Nov 07, 2008

This information is for educational use only, and is not a substitute for prompt professional medical advice. Readers should always consult a physician or other professional for advice and treatment.
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