What should you know about second degree tear after birth?

The perineum is the area between the vaginal opening and anus. A second-degree injury is deeper than a skin-only tear but does not involve the anal sphincter. A clinician examines the area after birth to confirm its depth and check whether repair is needed. Soreness, swelling, bruising, and discomfort when sitting or passing urine can occur during early healing.

Keep the area clean with plain water and pat it dry rather than rubbing. Change maternity pads regularly, wash your hands before and after pad changes, and use a comfortable position for feeding or sitting. Follow the pain-relief and bowel-care plan given by your maternity team; avoiding straining helps protect the repair. Gentle pelvic-floor exercises can be introduced when comfortable, and [Postnatal Physiotherapy](/treatments/pelvic-floor-and-rehabilitation/postnatal-physiotherapy/) may help if weakness, heaviness, or persistent pain affects daily activities.

Contact your maternity service promptly if pain is worsening, the wound opens, swelling becomes marked, or the area develops increasing redness, heat, pus, or an unpleasant smell. Seek urgent help for heavy bleeding, faintness, fever with feeling unwell, or difficulty controlling urine or stool. A clinician can assess infection, a collection of blood, or a repair problem; [Perineal Repair](/treatments/pregnancy-and-birth-care/perineal-repair/) explains the specialist care that may be considered.

Ask how deep the tear was, whether the stitches are healing as expected, which pain medicines are suitable while feeding, and when pelvic-floor exercises should begin. You can also ask what bowel changes need review and who to contact if intercourse, sitting, or movement remains painful.