Navigation
[TITLE]

[MESSAGE]

[BUTTONS]

Popular questions...

Content

What is an episiotomy?

An episiotomy is an incision (cut) made in the perineum, which is the skin between the vagina and anus. It is performed during childbirth in some cases to reduce tearing of the perineum, or to assist with delivering the baby.

FAQ Frequently asked questions

What are vaginal tears?

Vaginal tears are damage or tears to the tissue of the vagina. They commonly occur during childbirth. In some cases, these tears can extend to the anus.

What causes vaginal tears during childbirth?

During birth, the tissues of the vagina and perineum (the area between the vagina and the anus) need to stretch to allow the baby's head to pass through the vagina. If the tissue is not able to expand or stretch sufficiently, tears may result.

How are vaginal tears treated?

More serious vaginal tears may require surgical repair. Pain-relief medication and cold packs can help with pain management and physiotherapy. Pelvic floor exercises may be recommended to help restore muscle strength once the tear has sufficiently healed.

Will vaginal tears heal on their own?

Mild vaginal tears can heal without treatment. Once the baby has been born, your healthcare professional will assess any tears and recommend surgical repair if necessary.

Can vaginal tears during childbirth be prevented?

Vaginal tears during childbirth cannot be completely prevented. However, massaging the perineal area (between the vagina and anus) during late pregnancy may help to reduce damage. Certain practices during labor may also be helpful. You can …

Are there different types of vaginal tears?

Vaginal tears are classified depending on how severe they are. A first-degree tear only affects the skin around the vagina, while the most severe tear, a fourth-degree tear, extends all the way back to the anus and includes the lining of the …

What increases the chances of developing a vaginal tear?

Many factors can affect the chances of developing a vaginal tear during childbirth. Women who are delivering their first baby are at increased risk. The baby's size and position, and factors with labor, such as the need for a forceps …

How common are vaginal tears?

Around nine out of ten (90%) of women who deliver their baby vaginally experience some degree of vaginal tearing. However, only around one of every eleven (9%) of these women have more extensive third- or fourth-degree tears.

Is it safe to have sex with a vaginal tear?

It is generally recommended that women avoid sexual intercourse for a few weeks after giving birth. Your doctor or maternal health nurse can advise you when it is safe for you to resume sex.

Related topics

Diseases & conditions

Preterm labor

Preterm labour is labour that occurs before 37 weeks of pregnancy have passed. It is a concern because babies born prematurely are at higher risk of serious health complications. If there are indications that preterm labour might occur, your doctor will use a range of medications to delay delivery for as long as possible, as every week that delivery can be delayed greatly reduces the risk of compl…
Diseases & conditions

Morning sickness

Morning sickness is nausea and vomiting during pregnancy. Despite its name, it can strike at any time of the day. Up to around 85% of pregnant women experience morning sickness. Fortunately, it tends to settle down by the 20th week of pregnancy.…
Diseases & conditions

Labor

Labor is the process through which a baby is delivered from a woman’s womb to the outside world. Stages of labor that pregnant women commonly experience include uterine contractions, dilation of the cervix and the rupturing of fetal membranes to release amniotic fluid, or ‘water breaking’.…
Diseases & conditions

Caesarean section

A caesarean section is a surgical procedure used to deliver a baby. This can be a planned or an emergency procedure, which involves the use of an anaesthetic for the mother prior to surgical delivery of the baby.…
Diseases & conditions

Premature birth

A birth is defined as premature if it occurs before 37 weeks’ gestation. Although the risk of complications for premature babies increase the earlier they are born, survival rates are continuing to improve as treatments evolve and develop.…
Diseases & conditions

Premature babies

A premature baby is one born before 37 weeks’ gestation. Because they have less time to develop in the uterus, they are more likely to have health problems and usually need special care after birth.…

About this article

Author: Dr Idan Ben-Barak PhD, MSc, BSc (Med)
First answered: 13 Jul 2015
Last reviewed: 19 May 2018
Rating: 4.4 out of 5
Votes: 918 (Click smiley face below to rate)
Category: Preterm labor

×

Content goes in here.