[~strawberry~]

Check in the front of your blue book, I thought I wasn't given anything when I was discharged with my first but eventually found the discharge papers in the front pocket of DD's blue book. If not, contact the hospital for a copy of your birth notes. You may have to pay a small charge, but it will give you the info you need.

[soontobegran]

Check in the front of your blue book, I thought I wasn't given anything when I was discharged with my first but eventually found the discharge papers in the front pocket of DD's blue book. If not, contact the hospital for a copy of your birth notes. You may have to pay a small charge, but it will give you the info you need.

Really no need to go to the expense to apply for the hospital noted through FOI, the OP just needs to call her Obstetrician if her discharge notes don't include details of her perineal damage.
He should have it on his records.

[Goldenblack]

Another thing to be aware of is that hospitals do have slightly different definitions between each other for what counts as what degree of tearing - even if you'd think the definitions were fairly clear cut (as I did, initially!).

I had a tear listed as a second degree tear because it didn't tear through the sphincter - just around it both sides and on up continuing - and much deeper internally, intramuscular.

I also had to tell my doctor to look at it at my six week checkup - she wasn't going to. I thought I had hemorrhoids due to all the large lumps and bumps. Turned out that was just how severe all the scarring was, and she got a shock because she was expecting a second degree tear to be very different to what was there.

[allyire]

I gave birth to DS1 in the US and was never told what 'degree' of tear I had either (after reading descriptions I think it was probably 3rd). I had an episiotomy as well so lots of stitches.

Definitely get them to check you to see that the healing is ok. I had to have the area cauterised a few times as there was too much scar tissue that was causing pain/irritation. It did eventually get back to normal though!

BTW, with DS2 I had no tearing whatsoever and a very quick recovery

[Mummy Em]

The way it was explained to me - first degree tear involves the skin of the perinium, second degree tear involves skin and muscle of the perinium/vagina, third degree involves anal sphincter muscle and fourth degree involves all that, plus tearing in the anal canal. Third and fourth degree are usually repaired in theatre under general or epidural anasthetic.

With sex, try not to pressure yourself, use lots of lube, tell your partner to be careful and you will tell him if you need to stop. If you have pain, go to the doctor as they may be able to give hormone vaginal suppository that might help, especially if you are breastfeeding.