Vaginal tear during delivery: what to expect

The tear may affect the vaginal wall, the vaginal opening, or the perineum. After the baby is born, a clinician checks the wound and bleeding, explains its depth, and decides whether stitches are needed. Minor surface injuries may need observation and comfort measures; deeper injuries require careful repair and follow-up.

Tenderness, swelling, bruising, and discomfort when urinating can happen after birth. The pattern should slowly improve. Persistent or worsening pain, a wound that opens, or new bowel or bladder problems require review because they can signal a healing problem or infection.

Use plain warm water to rinse the area, replace pads regularly, and pat dry without rubbing. Take recommended pain relief, rest, drink enough fluid, and choose fibre-rich foods to make bowel movements easier. Avoid straining and ask for help if you are afraid to open your bowels. Do not put anything into the vagina until your maternity team confirms that healing has progressed.

Discuss movement, bathing, exercise, and sex at follow-up. If feeding is difficult because sitting or positioning hurts, a [Lactation Consultation](/treatments/pregnancy-and-birth-care/lactation-consultation/) can help you find a more comfortable position.

Call your maternity service urgently for heavy bleeding, rapidly worsening pain, increasing swelling, fever, foul-smelling discharge, pus, or a wound that has separated. Get immediate help for faintness, severe weakness, breathing difficulty, or bleeding you cannot control. Seek review for ongoing pain, painful sex after healing, or changes in urine or stool control.

Ask: What tissue was affected? Does the repair need a check? How can I protect the wound during bowel movements? When can normal activities resume? What changes in pain, discharge, bleeding, or continence should I report?