Support for obstetric tears

The MASIC Foundation is a charity dedicated to supporting women with third and fourth degree tears during childbirth, otherwise known as obstetric anal sphincter injuries. Alongside offering support to women following their injuries, we also aim to raise public awareness of obstetric anal sphincter injuries, support research and prevention, and educate the medical profession through webinars and educational resources.

The average incidence of obstetric anal sphincter injury in the UK is 3.1%, with an incidence rate of 4.5% in first births (Carroll et al, 2022). This figure increases to 6.9% with an instrumental birth (Carroll et al, 2022). Around 1 in 20 first-time mothers in the UK are affected (Carroll et al, 2022).

As a midwife, you may have come across women who have suffered an obstetric anal sphincter injury during birth. These injuries have long-term effects that continue after women are discharged from midwifery care. Many women struggle to get the help they need through their GP (Eccles et al, 2024) and often face a long and difficult path to get the specialist treatment they need, which can involve referrals to colorectal specialists, urogynaecologists and pelvic physiotherapists.