If you tore during labor...

[Anonymous]

I don't think major tearing (third or fourth degree) is so common. It may sound more common, because when someone mentions it, it stands out so much! I had fourth degree with my first child and second degree with my second. Fourth was a hard recovery, but I fully recovered. Second was not that big of a deal. The key if you have tearing is to really take the sitz baths seriously and soak as much as possible. Also, take it really easy for the first four to six weeks - even if you are feeling good!

[Anonymous]

One thing you might want to do is to try NOT having an 11 pound baby, like me.

I tore.

I still have small incontinence issues (big coughs, sneezes).

It's been 10 years.

[Anonymous]

I birthed on hands and knees with a midwife and only pushed for 45 mins and still got a pretty bad tear. I think it just comes down to the fact that you're trying to get a rather large thing through a pretty small hole! Yes, lots of Kegels can really help.