Are tears very painful at the time of tearing or is it more the recovery and stitches that are painful?

[PSL1990]

If you had a tear during labour, was the actual moment of the tear v painful or were you more distracted by the contractions? Perhaps it depends on whether it is 1st/2nd/3rd/4th? Thanks

First birth = episiotomy, didn't feel it because they numb it first (plus adrenaline!)

2nd birth = Second degree tear, I had no idea until midwife examined me.

Episiotomy recovery worse for me than tear. Stitches bloody awful both times, but I seem to be resistant to local anesthetics!

I had a 2nd degree tear and labial grazed, didn't feel it at all.
Being stitched on the other hand was abit painful. I was given gas and air but also injected with lidocaine as they did it although I wished they had let it start working first before getting busy with the needle!!

3Rd degree tear, painless recovery (just felt a bit odd especially if walked too far but no actual pain, and I'm a wimp). Main issue was constipation /diarrhoea due to iron tablets /laxatives for tear. Bit depressing at the time but no big deal really.

2nd degree internal and external.
I Just had ga and Air
I didnt feel it and the recovery was fine.
I had developed a haemorrhoid from the labour and that hurt a lot more

Felt neither of my tears.

First was fairly minor and the worst bit was being stitched up with local and gas/air.

Second was 3 degree - had to be stitched up with a spinal given for that (didn’t have one for birth). The worst bit was the exam to determine the extent of it before I was taken to theatre.

Recovery wasn’t a problem with either. Was up and about, no issues sitting etc...