Introduction: Severe perineal trauma is defined as a damage of the perineum to the third and fourth degree perineal tear. Perineal injuries can be a consequence of episiotomy, or stretching and perineal tearing during spontaneous or assisted labor. During childbirth, each contraction slowly moves the child's head from birth canal and so slowly stretches the perineal tissue. In this, the pelvic floor muscles, vagina and perineum have an extremely important role. Injuries of the perineum during childbirth can have a significant impact on the quality of life of women, both in the short and long term. Aim: The purpose of the diploma work is to review literature on how women face with injuries of 3rd and 4th degree perineal tears that they suffered at giving birth; to explore their feelings and perceptions; and to examine what information have women obtained by health professionals during the postpartum care. Methods: A descriptive method of research with a systematic review of professional and scientific literature was used. Literature was searched using the Slovenian database DIKUL and foreign databases Pubmed, Cinahl and Science Direct. Articles in English language, published from 2000 to 2018 were included. Results: The results of the studies included in the diploma work show that severe injuries to the perineum have a major impact on the selfesteem of women, as they often describe a sense of failure because they failed to meet their expectations in the role of a mother and a partner. Women often need help in the care of a newborn and in a household, which makes them feel that they have failed. They are social isolated because of the consequences of severe injuries, which can lead to a sense of loneliness. Most often, the reason for the fear is due to the lack of support and inadequate information at the time of the postpartum care. Discussion and conclusion: Despite the fact that severe perineal injuries are common during childbirth, there are few studies that explore the experience of women who suffered severe injuries of perineum at giving birth. There are also many occult injuries that are not detected at giving birth, and which can greatly affect the quality of women’s life. It is important that healthcare professionals have sufficient knowledge and experience to evaluate the degree of perineal trauma and take appropriate action in the event of serious injuries. It is important that they refer women to further treatment to appropriate specialists and provide women with adequate information and support at postpartum period.
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