Here's an interesting tidbit no one has mentioned, with regards to tearing. I have read (never been pregnant! But I read a lot of blogs. ;) ) that medically speaking, it is better to tear than to have them cut you (give you an episiotomy) - the reason for this is that tears actually heal more easily, because of their rough edges. Also, a cut is more likely to "run" (like if you cut your stockings!) whereas a rip is less likely to tear as far.