Who had a 3rd degree tear then went on to have a natural birth? Any stories/Experiences appreciated

[DetectivePotato]

I had a 3rd degree tear with DS. Healed well and I am 21 weeks pregnant.

Had an appointment with the consultant today to discuss this birth. Basically they are leaving it up to me whether I want a c section or not. If I want it, they won't question it at all.

She said if I hadn't healed as well as I have, they would recommend a c section but as I have healed well, it is up to me whether I want a natural birth.

I have to weigh up the risks of a c section or the risk of incontinence. Just because I tore last time, doesn't mean I will again. Chances are the same as any other pregnant woman. They will do an episotomy, even though she said there is no evidence to prove that it helps. I had one last time and still tore so I don't see the benefits tbh.

I had an epidural and forceps. This time I was thinking of not having an epidural but I don't know what really strong contractions feel like as I had it pretty early. I had it as I have M.E./CFS and it was recommended by the consultant. I would like to get in the birthing pool but as there is only 1 at the hospital, chances are this won't happen. Anyone know if you are allowed a bath there?

Any stories, good and bad welcome please

Hi, i had severe tearing with my first which, nearly went through to bowel - not sure if it were 3rd degree, but they did send for surgeon to stitch me up.

Second and third babies both born at home, with gas and air and no probs. I tore a tiny bit with second and had couple of stitches, and no tears with no. 3. I'm now 19 weeks pregnant with the next!

best of luck, whatever you choose.

I had a similar experience to Hattie. I tore with the first, third degree and it took an hour of stitching by a surgeon to sort me out.

I had my second at home and tore a little bit, I refused stitches and it healed really well. I am now 21 weeks with my third and I am liking Hattie's experience of no tearing with the third [hgrin].

I think I tore because I have no chance not to push at the crowning stage, both my babies have shot out like corks from a bottle [hblush].

I hope it goes well whatever you decide.

Detective I don't think they recommend episiotomy to prevent a tear unless you're having assisted delivery (forceps/ventouse). Please look into that before you agree. You probably tore because of the forceps so if you use active birth techniques & avoid epidural you can go a long way to avoid a repeat.

I'm sure you'll remember an epis. is very painful to recover from and probably not necessary.

Would you consider home birth? I tore with my dd but still want to deliver vaginally next time so I have read a lot on this and spoken with independent midwives for their opinion.

You could definately have a waterbirth at home.,

Sorry - posting from my phone. Couldn't get anymore on screen!

I think a bath isn't deep enough to have the same effect as a birth pool.

Other techniques for avoiding another tear are avoiding intervention (including keeping vaginal exams to a minimum), keeping upright and active in labour, birthing on your side or leaning forward (in a pool for example) and no directed pushing, bear down naturally when you feel the urge and breath the baby out.

Forgot about this thread (I was DP).

Thanks Hulla. I won't consider a home birth. Things happened so quickly with DS when he was distressed I just don't want to be in that situation and be at home. I would much rather be in hospital.

I have decided that I am going to tell them I don't automatically want an episiotomy. Will they actually carry out my wishes though as they have put in my notes that I will be choosing a c section or v birth with episiotomy, which isn't what I want.

I have been reading about keeping upright and being on all fours is suppose to be a good position to give birth in. I am also hoping not to push too much and let nature do its thing.

I had epi and forceps with my first. With associated cut. I had an excellent consultant and healed fine.

Had DD2 in record time about 20 minutes after arrival at hospital, so no time for drugs and G&A made me sick.

I gave birth on my knees facing the bed, which was raised to sitting position so I could grip it with my arms.

Had only a graze. No episiotomy, either.

Went on to have another vaginal birth, but he was much much heavier than his sister so I had a second degree tear and stitches.

Good luck crazyplatelady, I hope everything goes really well for you

Thanks. I have my fingers crossed, although my nan thinks I should have a c section as she sees that as the easier option, no matter how much I tell her its majoy surgery etc etc.

We don't have a MLU in my city. I have no idea where the nearest one is.

Thanks. Your first birth sounds very similar to mine.

I do have a feeling that this time things will be much better. Plus I want to try it without an epidural this time so I can stay upright and give gravity a chance. What was the clary sage oil for?

I had a 3rd degree tear with DS1 and was stitched in theatre. I healed perfectly well, and nobody ever mentioned the possibility of a c section second time.

As it was DS2 was born at home and I did have a 2nd degree tear, but it was stitched at home and healed fine.

Now pg with DC3, and fully expect some level of tearing, but know it will be fine.