Third baby c-section or still try for natural after 2x 3rd degree tears?

[MrsJSC]

I'll be 38 weeks on Friday with our 3rd baby. Our first two (4 yrs & 2 yrs) left me with 3 rd degree tears. We (my husband & I) also run our own business which starts back on the 4th & have very little family support.
Our consultant wants me to have a c section at 38 weeks but I asked to be induced, again at 38 weeks. I really don't want a c-section for so many reasons. Went for a sweep on Friday just gone & can't do anything as baby not engaged. However realised induction my never have been an option as this is my third baby they probably won't engage until I go into labour! Heart broken. Have a consultant meeting & just don't know what to do. Any one had two 3rd degree tears before third baby? If so what did you do xx

[PetiteRaleuse]

I'm bumping this for you. No help but sections aren't as disabling as all that, especially if planned. You might well feel able to start work again (admin, nothing physical) within a week or so.

[PetiteRaleuse]

I had two sections for various reasons. They're not as scary as people might have you believe, in fact the second one was a lovely experience.

[MrsJSC]

Thank you, was so much easier for no. 1! x

[MaryPoppinsBag]

I didn't have 3rd degree tears, but had two difficult births. 1st crash situation forceps in theatre (would've been a section if not pulled out 3rd attempt) 2nd EMCS when he failed to come down.

I would have a section with a third because it would be calm organised and I would know what I was getting.
If your consultant is recommending it I would accept their advice.
Recovery from a CSection is not too bad.
And the procedure is OK, just feels like someone is rummaging around in your handbag whilst it's rested on your stomach!

[jchocchip]

If you don't want a section you don't have to consent. Have you spoken to a midwife about minimising risk of another 3rd degree?

[atacareercrossroads]

Op I've had a 3rd bordering on 4th degree tear (rectum torn 'completely in 2' iirc, nice!) and a subsequent elcs and I'd say I felt generally a lot more comfortable after the elcs than the tear. Healing took for me about the same time but both still have a few lingering effects.

For me the elcs was preferred to possible continence issues years down the line. My consultant brushed over these issues as he wanted me to go for a natural birth but I did my own research and argued the case and in the end he agreed.

Either way cs aren't as bad as people make out.

[ThorinOakenshield]

Could you get a second opinion? What do midwives think? In spite of what many people on here say, I would go with the opinions of the doctors and midwives. If they are suggesting a section, especially at a time when they may be under some pressure to get cs numbers down, I think it might be a safer option.
I had two C sections (first was an emc and second planned) and both were good experiences. I was doing normal stuff, school run, etc after 2weeks.

Good luck.

[ThorinOakenshield]

Oops. I didn't mean people on the thread - I meant general mn stuff....

[lightrain]

Induction could end up in cs anyway. ELCS is what your consultant is recommending and not that disabling - honestly, you'll be up within a day though will need to take it easy with lifting for a few weeks, it would be much better than failed induction leading to EMCS and having all of the tiredness to deal with too.

[atacareercrossroads]

Was just going to say that IME hospitals do try to get elcs numbers down so if they are offering it then they have good reason.

It is quite a calm experience, although they had guns n roses welcome to the jungle as they prepped me

[MrsJSC]

Thank you for great advice. So thought no.3 would be easy! Going to have good chat with consultant on weds x

[Fairylea]

Another one here who had an elcs and found it amuch better experience and easier to recover from than my first birth which was a ventouse delivery from an induction.

I'd always opt for a c section over a vaginal birth anyday, especially an induction.

[shelley72]

I too had a section for my second (breech) after a third deg tear with my first. Have to say that recovery from section was FAR easier than the tear, and was out of hospital the day after dd was born. Currently pg with dc 3 and had to see cons last wk at 12 wk scan about options. Booked into vbac clinic for further discussions but I really don't know what to do for the best. A section can be a lot easier than the consequences of a nasty tear.

[MrsJSC]

The funny thing is I was fine after both 3rd degree tears, no pain or discomfort. My second baby was born at 4 am & I was home by 2 pm same day. pressure to make the right decision x