What should you know about third degree tear in delivery?

The perineum is the area between the vaginal opening and anus. A third-degree injury reaches the anal sphincter, unlike a more superficial tear. It is usually identified after birth by examination. The tear is repaired with stitches, often by a clinician with relevant experience, and the repair is checked as healing progresses.

Soreness, swelling and discomfort when sitting can occur early in recovery. Bowel movements may feel worrying, but straining and constipation can put pressure on the repair. Your maternity team can tailor pain relief and bowel-care advice to you.

Follow the discharge plan for wound care, prescribed medicines and bowel habits. Keep the area clean, change pads regularly and avoid activities that increase pain. Gentle pelvic floor work may be introduced when your clinician says it is suitable; postnatal physiotherapy can help with muscle coordination, continence and confidence.

Attend the follow-up appointment even if the wound feels better. Mention pain during sex, urgency, leakage of wind or stool, altered sensation, or concern about the stitches. Perineal repair services can assess healing and discuss further care when needed.

Contact your maternity unit promptly for worsening pain, increasing swelling, pus or an unpleasant smell, fever, heavy bleeding, wound separation, or difficulty passing urine. Seek urgent care for new loss of bowel control, inability to control wind, or severe illness. These signs need assessment rather than waiting for a routine review.

Ask: Which part of the sphincter was affected? How was the repair checked? What bowel-care plan and activity limits apply? When should pelvic floor exercises begin? Who should I contact if continence, pain or wound symptoms change?