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anyone else had third degree tear and had natural birth second time round?

8 replies

biggernow · 07/07/2009 21:28

having had 3rd degree tear with DS, 2 years ago, they are advising me to have C-section this time round (due November) -This is just standard following 3rd or 4th degree tear.
However, I am not so keen. I only tore because the last bit was mis-managed and too fast-and I was stitched well and recovered quickly. Obviously don't WANT to tear same again, but also have much more fear of C-section than of tearing again....
All sorts of worries- not just operation itself and risks involved- but also bonding and breastfeeding too......
Anyone have any advice/first hand experience please?
Thanks

OP posts:

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FAQinglovely · 07/07/2009 21:31

I had an episitomy and 4th degree tear with DS2.

3 and a bit years later I had a natural birth that required only a couple of small stitches (and MW said if I hadn't been so impatient and had waited for next contraction before pushing I probably wouldn't have torn at all)

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onehitwonder · 07/07/2009 21:35

Hi

I had 2 x 2nd degree tears and an episiotomy, and other issues post birth and unfortuntately didn't have a quick or easy recovery. I just wanted to let you know that I opted for a C section 4 weeks ago for my 2nd delivery and actually have found bonding has been better this time as the elective section was such a calm, well managed experience. I also managed some skin to skin in theatre whilst being stitched and fed DS in recovery.

I won't say that the past 4 weeks have been a walk in the park, the discomfort from the scar has been more than I was expecting, but I can honestly say that breastfeeding has gone really well.

I know this wasn't exactly what you asked, but thought that you might appreciate a positive perspective on a C-section from the point of view of bonding/feeding.

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missblythe · 07/07/2009 21:43

I had an episiotomy and 3rd degree tear with DD 3 yrs ago

This time (last month) I was given option of having CS, but certainly not pushed in that direction.

I had a natural delivery-although ended up with an episiotomy again, so they could use Ventouse-and all is still well, fanjo-wise.

If you do go for a natural delivery, the midwives/consultants will be super-aware than you tore last time, and support your scar as you are pushing to minimise the risk of another tear.

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LionstarBigPants · 07/07/2009 21:51

I had a 3rd degree tear 3 years ago, healed well and no problems since (though v. painful at the time). Now 28 weeks and planning a home birth, midwives are supportive, though they did refer me to a consultant 'just to be sure' - consultant gave go-ahead, said it was a 'fine repair' (I came away feeling like I'd just been given a gold star for the neatness of my fanjo )

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SoupDragon · 07/07/2009 21:57

I had a 3rd degree tear with DS1. All healed fine and I had a followup ultrasound (lovely) and was told I could have any future children "naturally". I laughed at the consultant and told him I wouldn't be having any more.

2 years later, DS2 appeared, a vaginal birth. I had an episiotomy when the scar line began to "button hole". Again, all healed fine.

then, 5 years later, DD appeared, a home waterbirth. I tore (2nd degree I think) and was stitched and it's all healed fine bar a few issues with the scar - nothing to do with the previous repair.

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LuubyLuu · 08/07/2009 22:02

Yes. Third degree tear which didn't heal very well, with scar tissue and some skin grew over the top, resulting in either painful or uncomfortable sex for 2 years.

Was planning a section for #2 but changed my mind whilst pregnant and thought i'd give natural birth a go. Helped by my consultant who suggested that the particular problem I had may be helped by giving birth again, as it would stretch the overgrown scar tissue. Anyway, I decided to give it a go and get any gynae fixing up done after, when I was all done with childbirth.

I did masses of research on the best way to give birth to avoid tearing, and prepared a short but detailed birth plan about how my scar would need supporting during the second stage. I laboured in a pool, then had my second stage on all fours, and most importantly it was a very slow and very controlled second stage. I didn't push at all, just let my body do the pushing out, and the midwife supported my perineum. As a result I had only a small first degree tear, which didn't need stitching. The birth was brilliant, textbook and controlled (and unintentionally with no drugs!).

The scarring issue has dramatically improved, and I haven't even considered having the gynae corrective procedure that was offered. So much so that i'm doing it all over again in 7 months time!

I found Sheila Kitzinger's books really helpful, particularly with respect to control and breathing in the second stage.

Good luck whatever you decide!

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tryingtobemarypoppins · 08/07/2009 22:07

Sorry quick question!

Is an episiotomy considered to be a 3rd degree tear?

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biggernow · 15/07/2009 09:27

Thank you for all your replies...so kind of you all to take the time to share your experiences. Feeling empowered.....!!

Seeing consultant in August so will see what they say and think I may well get a doula this time and re-read sheila K's book.

I know it would be fine if I had to have a c-section, but my very real fear of operations and hospitals could seriously compromise things for me- but I want to do the best for baby and me too.

Thank you all. (and tryingtobe-- don't think it is same)

Cheers.