Episiotomy and tear during birth

The perineum is the area between the vaginal opening and anus. A clinician may discuss an episiotomy when faster birth is needed or when there is concern about tissue injury; it is not routine for every vaginal birth. A tear can involve the skin, vaginal tissue, or deeper perineal muscle. After birth, the midwife or doctor examines the area to understand the depth and whether stitches are needed. Local anaesthetic is used for repair when sensation remains.

Ask what type of injury was found, where the stitches are, and how to keep the area comfortable while it heals. Follow instructions for washing, pain relief, bowel care, and pelvic-floor exercises. Keep the area clean and dry, change maternity pads regularly, and avoid straining when opening your bowels. A Perineal Repair service may be discussed when stitches or further assessment are required.

Contact your maternity team for worsening pain, increasing swelling, foul-smelling discharge, fever, wound separation, difficulty passing urine, or bleeding that becomes heavier rather than easing. Seek urgent help for heavy bleeding, faintness, severe pain, or loss of bowel control. Early review can identify infection, a collection of blood, or a repair that needs attention.

Ask how deep the tear or cut is, what repair was performed, how long tenderness may last, and when you can resume exercise, sex, and normal bowel activity.