The severity of second-degree perineal tears and perineal pain during three months postpartum: A prospective cohort study

Abstract

Background: Second-degree perineal tears are common and can vary widely in the extent of tissue trauma. Therefore, a better understanding of perineal pain based on tissue trauma severity in second-degree tears is needed.

Aim: The primary aim of this study was to assess differences in perineal pain according to the severity of perineal tears, with a focus on subcategories of second-degree tears, during the first three months postpartum. The secondary aim was to assess the use of pain medication and breastfeeding patterns according to the severity of the second-degree tears.

Methods: In this observational cohort study, nulli- and multiparous women with singleton pregnancies were included during pregnancy. After birth, perineal tears were classified using the latest international classification system. In addition, second-degree tears were subcategorised according to percentage of damage to the perineum (<50 %=2A,>50 % but less than entire perineum=2B, affecting entire perineum, anal sphincter not involved=2C). Perineal pain, use of pain medication and breastfeeding patterns were assessed during a phone interview seven to ten days postpartum and through an electronic questionnaire three months postpartum.

Findings: Out of 880 vaginal births, 852 participants completed the phone interview and 715 answered the electronic questionnaire. During the first three months postpartum, women with 2C-tears reported statistically significantly higher pain scores and more frequent use of pain medication compared to women with 2A-tears. There was no statistically significant difference between the number of participants not breastfeeding between second-degree tear subcategories.

Conclusion: Women with 2C-tears reported higher perineal pain scores and more use of pain medication compared to those with less severe tears during three months postpartum.

Keywords: Breastfeeding and perineal; Perineal pain; Postpartum pain; Second degree; Second degree tears; Subcategories.