Vaginal tears are common during childbirth. They often happen when a baby's head is coming through the vaginal opening. These tears usually are a result of the head being too large for the vagina to stretch around. Or the vagina doesn't stretch easily. Vaginal tears also are called perineal lacerations or perineal tears.

Tears that involve only the skin around the vagina typically heal on their own within a few weeks. But some tears are more severe and need treatment. A member of your health care team examines you after your baby is born to see if you have a tear and, if so, whether it needs to be repaired.

First-degree tears are the least severe. They involve the skin between the vaginal opening and the rectum and the tissue directly beneath the skin. That area is called the perineum. First-degree tears also may happen around the tube that carries urine out of the body, called the urethra. First-degree tears usually cause some pain or stinging when you urinate. They may not require stitches, although some of them do. If a first-degree tear does need stitches, that repair typically can be done in the delivery room. These tears usually heal within several weeks.

Second-degree tears involve skin and muscle in the area between the vaginal opening and the rectum. These tears may go deeper into the vagina. Second-degree tears typically require stitches. That often can be done in the delivery room. Healing usually takes about 3 to 4 weeks.

Third-degree tears go into the muscle that surrounds the anus, called the anal sphincter. These tears sometimes need to be repaired in an operating room rather than in the delivery room. They typically take about 4 to 6 weeks to heal. If you have a third-degree tear, you may need to take antibiotic medicine to prevent an infection.

After a third-degree vaginal tear is repaired, some problems that can happen include infection, separation of the repaired tear, leaking stool — also called fecal incontinence — and leaking urine — also called urinary incontinence. If you notice any of these problems, contact a member of your health care team.

Fourth-degree vaginal tears are the most severe. They go through the anal sphincter and into the mucous membrane that lines the rectum. Fourth-degree tears usually need to be repaired in an operating room rather than in the delivery room. Sometimes they require more complex repair than stitches alone. Healing may take 4 to 6 week or more. If you have a fourth-degree tear, you may need to take antibiotic medicine to prevent an infection.

After a fourth-degree vaginal tear is repaired, some problems that can happen include infection, separation of the repaired area, leaking stool — also called fecal incontinence — and leaking urine — also called urinary incontinence. If you notice any of these problems, contact a member of your health care team.