Do all Tears need Stitching?
The extent or degree of a tear is most often defined on a scale from 1-4. • Labial tears and first degree tears may not need stitching (suturing). • Second degree tears will usually be sutured. Many midwives are trained to suture second degree tears. • Third and fourth degree tears should always be sutured by an experienced clinician. • On occasion there is a need to cut the perineum to facilitate the birth of the baby. This is called an episiotomy and will need to be sutured by your midwife or doctor. Caring for Your Perineum Following the Birth of Your Baby is a KEMH produced brochure providing further information.
