Giving birth after previous 3rd degree tear

[LittleTink76]

Hi,
I'm currently 33 weeks with my second DD, & after having a scan Weds this baby is going to be as big if not bigger than DD1. She was 8lb9 & I had a 3rd degree tear. My consultant has said I can opt for a section if I want because if I have another 3rd degree I could end up incontinent! I was against having a section (unless really necessary) because the thought of having my tummy cut open is more scary to me than tearing below. I just wanted to know what other people's experience were of giving birth again after a bad tear?
Thanks.

[Happilymarried155]

I just gave birth 10 days ago. Was much better and although I did tear again it was only was degree this time and has healed well. When in labour I would make sure you tell the midwife about your previous tear.
Things that helped prevent another 3rd degree this time were that I didn't give birth lying on my back, I was upright leaning on the back of the bed. The midwife put pressure with a flannel as the baby was coming out and she talked me through every bit and I listened! With my first birth of just pushed when I felt like it and no one told me any different. My midwife was really good and I think that makes a.huge difference. Good luck!

[avamiah]

Hi OP,
I had a 3rd degree tear and it was horrendous and I could never go through that again.
My little girl is 7 and she is a only child .
Sometimes I only have to have a couple of cups of coffee and cough and I will have a accident.
I would opt for a c section anyday .
Good luck

[pinguina16]

Hi OP, copied a few past threads you might want to look at. Hope it helps you make a decision

www.mumsnet.com/Talk/childbirth/2601028-ELCS-vs-Vaginal-Delivery-after-3-degree-tear

www.mumsnet.com/Talk/childbirth/2508176-C-section-after-3rd-degree-tear

www.mumsnet.com/Talk/childbirth/1585482-Birth-options-after-3rd-degree-tear-with-incontinence

[Grace1980]

I had a third degree year with my first, who was 8lb 10. I had the same worries about giving birth to my second. The midwife was brilliant, she knew my history and I listened to her instructions while crowning with my second. I ended up with a very small (1st degree) tear needing just a stitch. And my second was 9lb 13! X

[LittleTink76]

Thank you everyone for your comments, very helpful

[Laineymc7]

I just had my ds after a 3rd degree tear. I opted for a c section and my recovery was much better than a third degree tear. I was lucky I did as my ds was undiagnosed breach. No one has picked it up. The surgeon was very surprised. If you still have defects in your spincter muscle and are symptomatic most consultants would recommend a section although ultimately it's your decision. Good luck

[bumblingmum]

I had 3rd degree tear with my first. It took months to feel normal. Sex was painful for nearly a year.
I was also terrified and asked to be referred for a c-section. Consultant was so anti he made me cry. I had natural birth in the end and it was so much easier. I did tear but only a small one and healed much quicker. Everyone says the 2nd is easier and it's so true.
No long term issues here at all, no incontinence. I do constant pelvic floor exercises to make sure. Kids are now 8 & 6.

[SweepTheHalls]

I had a C section last yer after 2 bad tears with my previous births. It was tougher th o recover from, but there was then no risk of double incontinence which my Consultant warned about. It was hard, but definitely the right decision for me.

[Boomies]

Not sure if this is of help but I had a 4th degree tear and the obstetrician who did my repair, community midwife, colorectal surgeon I had to see for follow up and the physio I saw post partum are all in agreement that if I have another I should have an elective c-section as my repair is really good and I have no problems with continence etc but should I tear again the additional scar tissue would likely cause those problems I avoided this time. Should we have more children I will definitely take that route a step I trust they all know what they are talking about!