Mumsnet Talk

It's over, so relieved and lucky to just have what dr here (not UK) called a 'scratch'. Tired but done.
can't sleep too hyped

Ds1 3rd degree tear and labia tear. 6ib8
Ds2 just slight tears, no stitches needed and 9ib

1st time epidural, shoulder dystocia, bad tear, multiple internal external stitches. 2nd time, hypnobirth, gas and air only, no tear, I did do perineal massage 2nd time.

I had a bad 2nd tear with DD1 3.7 years ago. She was induced at 42 weeks & weighed 8.7. Took ages to heal, pelvic floor took ages to function & my stitches got infected.
DD2 was born 8 days ago, was induced at 42 weeks again, she also weighed 8.7 & I had no tear. I felt completely back to normal within 2days. I was so relieved. Last time was a horrible experience.
I didn't do any perineal massage.

Cochrane review for perineal massage here

It suggests that first time round it can reduce perineal trauma and pain, second time round, no clear effect.

3a tear with DS1 (that was a theatre jobby, with a spinal anaesthetic)

2nd degree tear with DS2 (stitched up with enough LA to numb an elephant).

Did not do any perineal massage.

I tore badly with my 1st and was told after much smaller tears with my others that it was only due to the amount of scar tissue left after my 1st. Was told scar tissue doesn't stretch so if there is a lot you are more likely to tear again.

1st DC: torn urethra at both sides (wow that hurt to wee!), plus labial tear and perineal tear (2nd deg)

2nd DC: borderline 4th degree perineal. The piles hurt more though.

I've had three vaginal births and tearing varied, none at all with the middle one as he was smaller. I recommend massage with almond oil in That area all through your pregnancies.

I had an episiotomy and stitches the first time round.

Second time around i had a small tear which was left to heal naturally.

Had a tear ansd stitches with my first - and no tears with my following 3! was much more in control with the later 3 though - was determined not to lose it - and i didnt which probably helped.

Hi. I had a horrendous delivery with dc1,Keelans rotation forceps delivery , episiotomy which broke down and had to heal by second intention.
I was convinced the scar tissue would make the next delivery problematic.
However with dc2 I had a slight tear which didn't need suturing and with dc3,slight tear ,one suture.
Hope all goes well for you!

In my experience of women who did it, 79% had an intact perineum. Theres lots of factors that can effect the outcome of the perineal condition postpartum for example - m/w's delivery technique, number of vaginal births previous, diet, hydration status, type of delivery (forceps/ventouse) and whether the midwives instructions during delivery where followed (push or pant).

I agree that perineal massage doesnt work for everyone but inconjuction with the other factors - it can work pretty well



Zoe xx

There is no research evidence that perineal massage makes any difference for a second or subsequent vaginal birth. I didn't do a any pm the second time as I hated doing it.
2nd degree tear and stitches with dc1, no tear with dc2.

2nd degree tear with my first.
With my second I got a first degree tear where I tore the first time, but it only required two stitches and healed very fast.

Hey not necessarily, it may make you more at risk of an episiotomy if you had a really bad tear before, as scar tissue makes the perineum less stretchy when giving birth. But for a 1 or 2nd degree - i wouldnt worry very much. Plenty perineal massage with approved oils can help alot.

Zoe xx

3d tear with 7lbs DD , no tear at all with 10lbs DS!!

I has to have an episiotomy first time round.

2nd time around I had a scratch/first degree tear.

didn't tear first time but did second time
wnd degree tear which healed easily

I did tear the second time but didn't need any stitches as it was so small. Baby was 1lb bigger too. Didn't do any massaging either time.

I agree with learnermummy that the second time round you have a bit more experience to fall on. I got into a different position which I believe helped. Was on my knees rather than my back.

Scar tissue tends to be thicker or tougher, so shouldn't tear in that exact same place again.

I had a 3rd degree tear with DS1 who delivered back to back without turning. With DS2 (who was much bigger) i had a very small tear, along the same scar, that didn't need to be stiched. I did do perineal massage both times. I wouldn't panic especially as you know better second time what it feels like and can breathe/push accordingly!

I had 2nd tegree tears and stitches (different places) with my first 2

Didn't tear at all with the 3rd

I had a 3a tear with DD (episiotomy extended with the use of forceps) and only an episiotomy with DS, and he had a fucking enormous 40.5cm bonce.

I did no perineal massage.

I had a small tear the first time with a couple of stitches, it didn't bother me too much, I felt very lucky after hearing other people's experiences. However, I haven't done perineal massage as regularly as I did last time and now I'm 39 weeks I'm panicking massively.
Also, does it tend to tear in the same place or do you get more scar tissue elsewhere?
Thanks.