Normal delivery after a third-degree tear

A third-degree tear extends from the vaginal opening into the anal sphincter muscle. Before a later pregnancy reaches labour, your clinician may ask about pain, bowel control, urgency, leakage, sexual discomfort, and how the repair healed. An examination can help assess the perineum and pelvic-floor function. Ongoing symptoms may warrant specialist review and can influence whether a planned caesarean or vaginal birth is advised. Having no symptoms does not remove the value of a personalised discussion.

Arrange a pregnancy review early and bring details of the original tear and repair if you have them. Discuss pelvic-floor exercises and postnatal physiotherapy, especially if weakness, pain, or bowel symptoms persist. If vaginal birth is chosen, ask about positions, controlled pushing, perineal support, and how the team would respond if a tear develops. A perineal repair may be needed after birth, and recovery support should be planned in advance.

Contact your maternity team during pregnancy for new or worsening bowel-control problems, perineal pain, a bulge, or difficulty walking. During labour, report severe rectal or perineal pressure, heavy bleeding, or sudden pain. After birth, seek assessment for increasing pain, wound separation, pus or fever, inability to control stool or wind, or heavy bleeding. These signs need examination rather than self-treatment.

Ask whether your repair appears healed, whether symptoms suggest pelvic-floor review, and how your tear history changes the birth options. Clarify the likely monitoring, perineal-protection measures, repair plan, and follow-up after delivery.