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Slide show

Slide show: Vaginal tears in childbirth

By Mayo Clinic staff
 

Illustration of a vagina and anus

Vaginal area

Vaginal tears during childbirth are relatively common. Vaginal tears that involve only the skin around the vagina typically heal within a few weeks. Some vaginal tears are more extensive and take longer to heal. If the pain seems excessive or gets worse, contact your health care provider. Excessive pain could be a sign of infection.

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References
  1. Makai G, et al. Evaluation and management of lower genital tract trauma in women. http://www.uptodate.com/index. Accessed Sept. 26, 2011.
  2. Toglia MR. Repair of episiotomy and perineal lacerations associated with childbirth. http://www.uptodate.com/index. Accessed Sept. 26, 2011.
  3. Ganapathy R, et al. Secondary repair of the perineum following childbirth. Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology. 2008;28:608.
  4. Dudding TC, et al. Obstetric anal sphincter injury: Incidence, risk factors, and management. Annals of Surgery. 2008;247:224.
  5. Life Saving Skills: Manual for Midwives. 4th ed. American College of Nurse-Midwives. http://www.midwife.org/ACNM/files/ccLibraryFiles/Filename/000000000551/LSS%20Mod%209_10_final%20print2_11.pdf. Accessed Oct. 3, 2011.
  6. Bagade P, et al. Outcomes from medium term follow-up of patients with third and fourth degree perineal tears. Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology. 2010;30:609.
  7. Lipscomb L, et al. The normal puerperium. In: DeCherney AH, et al. Current Diagnosis & Treatment Obstetrics & Gynecology. 10th ed. New York, N.Y.: The McGraw-Hill Companies; 2007. http://www.accessmedicine.com/resourceTOC.aspx?resourceID=9. Accessed Oct. 3, 2011.
  8. Lowdermilk DL, et al. Maternity & Women's Health Care. 10th ed. St. Louis, Mo.: Elsevier Mosby; 2012:470.
  9. You and your baby: Prenatal care, labor and delivery, and postpartum care. Washington, D.C.: The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists; 2011:35.
PR00143 Jan. 24, 2012

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