Vaginal delivery or C-Section after vaginal repair

[Rubyribbon]

so I've just been to my GP today who has looked at my scar from an episiotomy I had a year ago (which has been causing me discomfort) and she has referred me to gynaecology to have it all repaired as she told me it hasn't healed properly and it's no wonder it's causing me pain.

I would like to have other children in future and I just wonder if it would be recommended for me to have a c-section or a vaginal delivery next time.

I know I'll get a chance to ask this once I get my referral through but I'm just keen to know so wondered if anyone here may be able to help? Thank you

[GinSwigmore]

They will push for a vaginal. You can fight for an elective (nice guidelines etc) but will have to jump through hoops to get one (and show you are aware of risks).

[Rubyribbon]

Thanks for your reply. I'd just be worried that after being cut open twice, the area of the episiotomy would be weak and maybe more prone to tearing.

[GinSwigmore]

I would agree with you and use that (physical trauma) plus fear of it happening (mental trauma) as your reasons for wanting an elective.
If you post again nearer the time, those who have been through said hoops can advise you further (I didn't, drank the Kool Aid re natural births and lived to regret it but that's another thread ;-) ) x hope the repair goes well.

[Rubyribbon]

Thanks gin, that's what I'm wondering. Maybe it's less risky to opt for a section than to take the risk of any further damage to the same area.

[WantToGoingTo]

It depends on how they repair it. As an episiotomy it would be a specific pint of weakness so tearing in future would be real possibility. You should ask consultant. I have had a vaginal repair but as my tear was so extensive ( cervical internal corkscrew tear, labial tear and perineum tear - yes DS starfished his way out) they said there would be no specific point of weakness so it would all stretch evenly and unlikely to have bad tear again (tho likely to tear all the same). So I will be having a vaginal if and when I have no 2. But I think you would have definite reason for an elcs should you wish. But definitely ask the surgeon for his opinion before your op

[MouseClogs]

The thing with vaginal births is that they run the gamut from virtually-painless-24-hours-later breeze right through to utter catastrophe leaving permanent life-limiting damage. Instances of the latter are mercifully few, but some degree of permanent damage is always a risk you run.

C sections are (of course) not without their own risks - some distinct from vaginal delivery and some the same - but by definition they are a more controlled environment with fewer variables, and by and large with an elective section you get what's on the tin.

In your shoes I'd go with a section no question but it's such a personal decision. It's case of weighing up the relative risks both generally and in your particular case, and deciding what you think in all likelihood that you'd feel most comfortable with.