3rd Degree Tears

[PenguinsMummy]

I am c. 9 weeks pregnant with DC3 and have had a 3rd degree tear with DC1 and DC2. I saw the midwife last week and she is going to arrange an appointment with a consultant for me to discuss my options, but has indicated that if I have healed ok (which I have) then they would probably advise me to go for a natural birth again.

I really don't want to end up with three 3rd degree tears!! Anyone had any similar experiences?

[Rubberplant]

Hi PenguinsMummy,

It might be worth posting under the Childbirth topic. I've seen several threads there regarding tearing and what to do in subsequent births.

It's good to learn that you've healed well after two 3rd degree tears. I had a 4th degree tear after the birth of my 2nd DC and the thought of having a natural birth after that makes my toes curl.

However, from your point of view I'd be asking the consultant not just about the short term impact of another natural birth but also if there is likely to be any long time impact in respect of weakness to your pelvic floor.

[MrsSenior]

And maybe try this thread?

[withorwithoutyou]

I've no experience of 3rd degree tears but a friend was offered an ELCS after having one.

If ELCS is a route you want to take and are prepared to push for there are lots of supportive people on this thread

I'm absolutely not trying to push you into an ELCS btw, just want you to know your options. Good luck.

[pigleychez]

I had a 3rd degree tear with my first and Healed fine.
When i was was pregnant with DD2 I was abit concerned reading on threads that others had been offered elcs when nothing had been said to me at all.

Anyway I had DD2 10 days ago and got away with a 2nd degree tear this time. (different place though)

[LittleSilver]

Whatever you decide OP, consider the LONG TERM aspects of your decision. I had a 3rd degree tear with DD1 which has left me sometimes incontinent. I was offered an elCS and declined it, and went on to birth DDs 2 and 3 with 1st deg/grazes. That said, I will probably have further problems post-menopause.

I don't regret my decision at all but was very glad that I had a referral to a colorectal surgeon and was able to grill him about the best thing to do (Interestingly he said that it was pregnancy that was doing my pelvic floor no favours rather than the childbirth iyswim?)

My personal experience has been to steer well clear of mws in terms of advice as they simply do not have the experience of long term sequelae to be able to advise one intelligently. I can't recommend a colorectal referral and a good obstetrician enough. Good luck; and read the RCOG guidelines on 3rd and 4th degree tears for info.

[mum2oneloudbaby]

sorry to highjack but i am in similar situation and waiting to see a consultant but they won't see me until 35 weeks feels a bit late to me so trying to change it.

pigleychez and littlesilver nice to hear that i am not necessarily destined for another 3rd degree tear or worse.

Can recommend reading the RCOG guidelines though here www.rcog.org.uk/womens-health/clinical-guidance/management-third-and-fourth-degree-perineal-tears-gr een-top-29

[PenguinsMummy]

Thanks everyone.

Both DD's were quick - 6.5 hours first time and 1hr 40 mins second time so more intense than traumatic. Not entirely keen on ELCS but am concerned about the long term impacts and if the risk of having a third 3rd degree tear is just asking for trouble!

I did see a consultant when I was pregnant with DD2 but they were very dismissive and they basically said it wouldn't happen again and that this was a 'tick the box' appointment so I have been very clear with my MW that I do not want to see him again and want someone to actually listen to my concerns and advise me.

My MW has suggested that I could go for an elective episiotomy but I had one of those with DD1 on one side and tore down the other side anyway - ouch!

Think I will try to find out as much as I can before my next MW appointment when I should get the consultant appointment and take it from there.