A question for Mears

[Skate]

Hi Mears,

I've noticed on my discharge notes that I had a 'second degree' tear. I just wondered if you could tell me what that means?

Thanks, Kate

can anyone join in?

skate, I'm sorry to butt in on your thread, but do we know each other? Did you used to live in St Albans?

Yes!! Anyone who knows the answer is welcome to enlighten me!

Anorak - sorry, I've never lived in St Albans! How bizarre! What makes you think that!? I'm intrigued!

I think it is where it tore /opened quite deeply but not as bad as a 3rd degree tear?I also had a 2nd degree tear with dd...hurt more than childbirth it self..
Only better this last year,though think they stiched up too tight...

Sorry! I had a friend called Kate who used to live in St Albans. She signs cards and things 'SKAT' - the four initials of her family. She has two sons aged almost 4 and about 18 months - 2yrs. I know she wanted more children...it all seemed to fit!

I should just go and email her and catch up, shouldn't I?

A second degree tear is where the perineal skin and muscle is involved. You can actually get very small second degree tears that do not actually need stitched but they are classified as second degree because the tear is deeper than just the skin. Third degree tears involve the anal shincter. Second degree tears can vary in depth and size.

Thought you would explain it better...Thank you...

So when your labia rips in half...does that count as second degree?

ouch!

No - that is classified as a labial laceration. Tears that are classified in degrees only relate to the perineal body - the bit between your vagina and rectum.

Eurrgh I hadn't realised that was what a third degree tear (which I had) was! My midwife told me it meant the muscle had torn. Oh well, at least they must have stitched it well, never had any problems since (although pelvic floor...). Thank the Lord...