To ensure that women who experience a third or fourth degree perineal tear receive appropriate follow-up care after leaving hospital, to optimise their physical, emotional, psychological and sexual health. To ensure that appropriate referral pathways are in place.
To ensure that third and fourth degree perineal tears are repaired by an appropriately trained clinician and in accordance with evidence-based guidelines.
To ensure that all women who give birth vaginally are offered an examination, in a respectful way, by a clinician trained to accurately identify and classify third and fourth degree perineal tears using the RCOG classification.
To ensure that decisions about an instrumental vaginal birth consider the individual clinical circumstances, and the benefits and risks of each option, including the risk of a third or fourth degree perineal tear, and the potential benefit of episiotomy.
To ensure that women are appropriately assessed and provided evidence-based care during pregnancy, labour and birth to reduce the likelihood of a third or fourth degree perineal tear.
To ensure that women receive information during pregnancy about the potential of a third or fourth degree perineal tear, relevant risk factors and evidence-based care to reduce their risk. To support shared decision making and informed consent.
The Third and Fourth Degree Perineal Tears Clinical Care Standard has been endorsed by a number of key health professional organisations and colleges.