Childbirth, tear or cut - What are the symptoms?

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 pass water (urinate), sit down or have sex.

A few women have wind 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 back passage (a third-degree or fourth-degree tear).[6]

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

References

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.
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.
Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists. Methods and materials used in perineal repair: Guideline No. 23. June 2004. Available at http://www.rcog.org.uk/resources/Public/pdf/perineal_repair.pdf (accessed 27 September 2006).

This information does not replace medical advice. If you are concerned you might have a medical problem please ask your Boots pharmacy team in your local Boots store, or see your doctor.