Previous Third Degree Tear and pregnant with Twins - any advice on vaginal birth versus C section

[mackels84]

Hi Everyone, I was looking for some advice on delivery with twins. My first baby I delivered her using gas and air but had a third degree tear so I had the spinal tap after she was born to accommodate surgery :( However, today I am expecting twins, due in July :):) Super excited but very nervous about getting them here safely. I was hoping for advice on delivery as my consultant has said that if they are head down she would encourage vaginal delivery however with the third degree tear there could be another one. I have never had a CS and wanted to know your experiences and recommendations. Thanks in advance

[quicklydecides]

Oh God I'd have ten planned sections over one third degree tear.
Sections are beautiful births in my experience.

[mackels84]

Thank you quicklydecides :) Closer to the time of delivery the consultant said the pregnancy might dictate delivery but if I have a 'choice' then I might opt for section.

[Seawig]

If you have had any incontinence or other symptoms then go for a c-section to protect your remaining continence as much as possible.

I had a high forceps delivery with subsequent tears and bladder and nerve damage. 8 years on I still have to wear a tena pad and had 10 months of post birth physio, therapy and consultant work with the urogynae team.

I chose an Elcs for my second as the risks I saw in the evidence lent towards further damage, worsening of symptoms and then further worsening when menopause hormones kicked in later.

I only planned two children so was far more concerned about getting my second child out without the panic and risks the first had to deal with (midwife errors leading to emergency forceps) and retaining as much of my body's functions as possible.

[mackels84]

GeorgiaOQueef and Seawig thanks for the advice. Yeah I think I will be leaning towards a CS too as you both know tears can affect you long term. We will see what the twins say!! They could dictate delivery moreso than I. Thank you for taking the time to reply.

[neversleepagain]

I had a emcs with my twins and would do it again.

Recovery was quick and I wasn't exhausted and in pain when I met my babies.

Congratulations.

[mackels84]

Thank you neversleepagain :) I have just been told I have SPD also which might add to a CS option. Thanks for the congrats everyone :)

[DorothyHarris]

I am 4 days post ELCS with my twins and its not too bad provided you don't do too much. The first 24 hrs were hard but I had complications most probably don't.
If I were to get pregnant again which is never happening I would probably go for the section.
You must keep on top if pain relief though.
Good luck.

[Methenyouplus4]

Section. I had 2 vaginal births before the twins (first not positive experience at all but second was great) and was devastated when both twins were breech and o was strongly advised to have a cs. I was against it until about 1 month before when I made peace with idea it would be safer for babies, and that was most important.

Really glad I made that choice, the birth itself was a bit surreal compared to vaginal (knowing time it would happen etc) but not painful at all. Recovery was hard first 24 hours as was breast feeding twins but hospital staff gave me my own room and we're helpful.

Other than medical reason for me to have cs, there is one other thing I would add that would make me go for cs if I were having twins again. of twin maternity group at hospital, 1 person had a vb despite there being 8 of us. There were 2 planned cs, 1 emergency cs and the rest had attempted a vb and ended up with cs- really glad I didn't have exhaustion of labour and them end up with cs anyway. Defo something to consider.