For most women, the pain lasts less than two weeks, sometimes much less. But about 1 in 10 women have pain for more than three months.

 

 

 

 

 

Source:
McCandlish R, Bowler U, van Asten H, et al.
A randomised controlled trial of care of the perineum during second stage of normal labour.
British Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology. 1998; 105: 1262-1272.

 

 

 

 

 

¹

 

 

 

 

 

Source:
Sleep J, Grant A, Garcia J, et al.
West Berkshire perineal management trial.
British Medical Journal. 1984; 298: 587-690.

 

 

 

 

 

²

 

 

 

 

 

Source:
Glazener CMA, Abdalla M, Stroud P, et al.
Postnatal maternal morbidity: extent, causes, prevention and treatment.
British Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology. 1995; 102: 286-287.

 

 

 

 

 

³ You may find it hurts when you urinate, sit down or have sex.

A few women have gas or loose bowel movements.

 

 

 

 

 

Source:
Sleep J, Grant A.
Pelvic floor exercises in postnatal care.
British Journal of Midwifery. 1987; 3: 158-164.

 

 

 

 

 

⁴

 

 

 

 

 

Source:
Sultan AH, Kamm MA, Hudson CN.
Anal sphincter disruption during vaginal delivery.
New England Journal of Medicine. 1993; 329: 1905-1911.

 

 

 

 

 

⁵ This is unlikely to happen unless you have a bad tear that goes through the ring of muscle around your anal opening (a third-degree or fourth-degree tear).

It can take longer to recover from childbirth if you have had a tear or a cut.

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