When it came to the time I didn't even think about it, my mind was on so many other things, and I didn't even notice or feel the two tears that I had before the Episiotomy, but I had a very quick progressing preterm birth, and the episiotomy was undertaken because they had lot DD's HR, so I didn't care. I actually think the needle they use to numb it for the episiotomy hurt more

Like others have said, fear can slow labour, and it can be a matter of trying to shift your focus away from the potential you may tear because you may not, and focus on bringing your baby earthside, perhaps in your birth plan list things you would like to be done to prevent tearing, ie warm flannel on the perineum, perineum support, labouring positions.

Mine did hurt after wards, but it was worth every bit of pain to have my baby arrive safely