Tore first time - will this happen again?

[ELB1]

I had a 2nd degree tear with my first baby. 2nd one is now due in 2 weeks. Am wondering if it is likely that I will tear again? I know no-one can really say - but does anyone know if it more likely than otherwise seeing as I already have a scar?

[MKGisHavingaGirl]

I did. I also had a second degree tear, and I was told that I tore along the scar line of the first one.

[purpleflower]

I hed a second degree tear first time but only a graze second time.

[Notquitegrownup]

I didn't. I had a third degree tear first time around, but no problems at all second time.

[waitingtobloom]

Large episiotomy the first time - small first degree tear (two stitches) the second time despite DD being 1.5 pounds bigger and presenting brow first - so huge head circumference coming through!

Used birth pool - great for softening everything and gave birth in upright position. Had fab midwife who I listened to and pushed when she said push and not when she said not to (not having drugs really helped keep my head clear so I could both listen and follow her instructions.)

Good luck!

[elsiepiddock]

I had the full monty of tears big and small plus an episiotomy the first time (1.5 hours of stitches)

Second time just the weeniest nick.

[jessikart]

Had lots of stitches all over first time round, along with quite a few grazes, and I'm convinced it's because I pushed when I was told to - I never felt like I needed to push!

2nd time around I had an unplanned home birth and felt so much more in control - I pushed when I knew I needed to and had no tears. I think it is a bit random, but the main thing is to listen to your body and work with it, not against it - regardless of what your midwives are saying!

[mooog]

I am not to sure if this is right, but it might be worth checking out.
I was told that it is better to be cut and not tear, in which case, maybe you could mention it to the mid-wife or when in labour ward? Good Luck

[mooog]

Oh I forgot to mention that I to had a very nasty tear and I was told to push when I really didn't feel that it was the right time
so maybe there is something to it when listening to what your body is trying to tell you what and 'when' to do it.