Second-degree tear after birth

Soreness, bruising, swelling, and stinging when passing urine can occur early in recovery. Discomfort should gradually ease rather than intensify, and bladder or bowel control problems deserve specific attention.

The perineum is the area between the vaginal opening and anus. A second-degree injury includes the muscles beneath the skin but does not extend into the anal sphincter. Repair brings the tissue edges together so the muscle and skin can heal in alignment.

Stitches can feel tight or itchy as swelling settles. Dissolvable material does not normally need routine removal, though a clinician should examine the area if a stitch causes persistent irritation or the wound edges appear to separate.

Keep the area clean with plain water and gently pat it dry. Change maternity pads regularly, wash your hands before and after pad changes, and use pain relief that your maternity team says is suitable. Drinking enough fluid and avoiding constipation can reduce strain during bowel movements.

Begin gentle pelvic-floor contractions when comfortable, without pushing through sharp pain. Increase walking and daily activity gradually. Wait until bleeding and wound discomfort have settled before penetrative sex, then proceed slowly with lubrication and stop if pain persists.

Contact your maternity team promptly if pain, redness, warmth, or swelling is increasing; the wound opens; discharge contains pus or smells unpleasant; or you develop fever or feel unwell. New difficulty controlling wind or stool, bowel urgency, or trouble emptying the bladder also needs assessment.

Seek urgent care for heavy vaginal bleeding, fainting, severe rapidly worsening pain, or signs of serious illness. Persistent pain during sex or ongoing pelvic-floor symptoms can be reviewed even after the wound looks healed.

Ask whether the wound and muscle repair are healing as expected, which pain medicines and bowel-softening measures are suitable, and when to resume exercise. If you have heaviness, leakage, painful sex, or scar tenderness, ask whether pelvic-floor physiotherapy could help.