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A. 9/10 First-time mothers have a tear, graze or episiotomy.
A. Your perineum is the area between your vagina and your back passage (anus).
It can tear when you are giving birth, or sometimes your healthcare professional might recommend a cut to your perineum (episiotomy) to make more room for your baby to be born.
A. Approximately 6 out of 100 women giving birth for the first time and 2 out of 100 women who have given birth vaginally before will have a deeper tear involving the back passage/anal sphincter muscle (a ‘third- or fourth-degree tear’). These deeper tears will need repair in an operating theatre. You will be supported by healthcare professionals including physiotherapists after your recovery from a third- or fourth-degree tear.
A. After the birth of your baby a healthcare professional will offer you an examination to see if you have a tear. They will advise you if you need stitches.
Most tears heal within 6 weeks with no long-term problems. For women who do have problems after a tear (such as pain, difficulty going to the toilet, incontinence or mental health problems) specialist help is available.
A. You can ask your healthcare professional to support your perineum as your baby is being born, which reduces the risk of a third- or fourth-degree tear. This is called ‘hands-on’ birth.
A. From 35 weeks onwards, you may choose to try perineal massage until your baby is born, which has been shown to reduce the risk of tears. This is particularly beneficial for first-time mothers. You may wish to ask your partner to help with this.
