📖 Definition
A tear in the perineum (the area between the vaginal opening and the anus) that can occur during vaginal delivery as the baby's head stretches the tissue. Classified by degree: first-degree (skin only), second-degree (skin and muscle, most common), third-degree (extends to the anal sphincter), and fourth-degree (through the rectum). Most tears heal well; third and fourth-degree tears require surgical repair and pelvic floor physiotherapy.