What problems can a tear/episiotomy cause?
Tears and cuts are wounds that occur during childbirth. Just like wounds anywhere else, they can hurt, bleed or get infected.
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.1 2 3 You may find it hurts when you urinate, sit down or have sex.
A few women have gas or loose bowel movements.4 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.
Sources for the information on this page:
- 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. 9883917
- Sleep J, Grant A, Garcia J, et al. West Berkshire perineal management trial. British Medical Journal. 1984; 298: 587-690.
- 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.
- Sleep J, Grant A. Pelvic floor exercises in postnatal care. British Journal of Midwifery. 1987; 3: 158-164.
- Sultan AH, Kamm MA, Hudson CN. Anal sphincter disruption during vaginal delivery. New England Journal of Medicine. 1993; 329: 1905-1911.
This information was last updated in Jun 08, 2008
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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. ©BMJ Publishing Group Limited 2008. All rights reserved. |
