Maternal age, parity, use of forceps, mediolateral episiotomy, and birth weight influenced the occurrence of some degree of tear. The chance of severe lacerations increased 1.77-fold per week with the gestational age (1.033.03, P=0.025), while primiparity increased the chance of laceration 5.32-fold. Episiotomy did not show a protective effect against severe laceration occurrence (P=0.999). Conclusions Severe perineal lacerations were associated with operative delivery, primiparity, gestational age, and epidural anesthesia. Episiotomy was not protective.