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Third and Fourth Degree Perineal Tears Explained

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A perineal tear occurs when the perineum - the area between the vagina and anus - is injured during childbirth. Third and fourth degree perineal tears are experienced by approximately 3% of women giving birth vaginally and 5% of women giving birth vaginally for the first time and may be serious.

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A perineal tear occurs when the perineum - the area between the vagina and anus - is injured during childbirth. Tears are caused by the fetal head stretching the vagina and perineum during delivery. While perineal tears are common, occurring in over 85% of vaginal births, most do not result in serious injury. However, third and fourth degree perineal tears (also known as severe perineal tears or obstetric anal sphincter injuries), which are experienced by approximately 3% of women giving birth vaginally and 5% of women giving birth vaginally for the first time, are more serious and may lead to complications.

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Ausmed’s editorial team is committed to providing high-quality, well-researched and reputable education to our users, free of any commercial bias or conflict of interest. All education produced by Ausmed is developed in consultation with healthcare professionals and undergoes a rigorous review process to ensure the relevancy of all healthcare information and updates to changes in practice. If you have identified an issue with the education offered by Ausmed or wish to submit feedback to Ausmed's editorial team, please email ausmed@ausmed.com.au with your concerns.
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714 reviews by Ausmed Learners
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SI
Sharna Ingham
16 Apr 2021
well written and informative. Easy to understand.
GT
Gregory Turner
25 Feb 2021
An excellent article.
LW
Lynee White
23 Feb 2021
Very valuable source to do.
A
Angelia
26 Feb 2021
3rd and 4th degree perineal tears, decrease risk factors, treatment, and education
MM
Merylle Moreno
11 May 2021
well informative
BN
Bindu Naveen
22 Apr 2021
Good
NA
Neethu Anil
26 Apr 2021
This material has improved my knowledge
EM
Evelyn Mapossa
26 Apr 2021
I believe in 2021 women deserve better than to receive 3/4 deg tears. Should be minimal in this day and age
RB
Rosemary Busby
22 May 2021
Helpful and informative.
KB
Kimmy Brooks
23 Sep 2023
Registered Midwife
Concise refresher and it was good to see acknowledgment of the importance of women working with their midwife to minimise perineal trauma during second stage
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