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 a 3rd degree tear with my first, and had a natural birth with my second. I tore again but only 2nd degree. It healed well both times and I've had no problems then or since (2.5 years ago).
I had both my babies using Gas & Air and TENS.
I guess each one of us is different. I really really didn't want a C section if I could help it.

HTH

Thanks. Did the TENS help? I was thinking about this too but I have heard its only beneficial in the early part of labour.

Hi
Like Mazzifly I had 3rd degree tear with DS1 and went on to have natural birth with 2nd degree tear with DS2. But it was a walk in the park compared to the 3rd degree.Had gas and air and used TENS with DS1 but to be honest after the early stages I found it more annoying than anything and couldn't wait to get it taken off.
One of my midwives suggested that I stay on my knees for second ( I was totally terrified and hospital refusing c section) and it really worked. Gravity is a wonderful thing!
Good luck

Thats what I was thinking too, I know gravity is suppose to be really beneficial with giving birth which makes me want to avoid an epidural so I can stay upright this time.

I was in this situation, it is really difficult to know what to do. Ultimately I decided that if the consultant really felt a section was the best option he would have said, so I went for a natural birth. Was a brilliant decision in the end:

First Delivery - induction with drip, epidural, episiotomy, forceps, 3rd degree tear, big blood loss and blood transfusion. All followed by 2 years of trauma-related depression.

Big decision to have a second and whether to opt for a section, but:

Second Delivery - gas and air, episiotomy but no other drugs, no tearing, and 7 weeks later I feel completely fine. Completely different experience.

My best advice is that all births are different and that although it is scary, if you have healed well you can definitely give birth again without a repeat of what happened before.

marking place

I have supported a couple of women to birth after third degree tears. Both birthed in a pool and did not tear or need an episiotomy with the next birth (both babies were bigger too)
Selina

I had a very good vb delivery after a 3rd degree tear first time. Had a guaranteed epidural (topped up at source so no pain at crowning), controlled pushing, quicker than 1st labour, very minor tear & quick recovery.

However, I do wish in hindsight I had a ELCS and did have one with my 3rd (recovery very quick). Just by virtue of pg itself stretching everything and pushing out another baby has certainly made muscles weaker and slacker. I have requested an appt with Women's Health to see if I can improve matters myself. Although ok(ish) now, the majority of incontinence issues post menopause are as a result of childbirth and imo not enough mw give enough thought to the long term, focusing on the immediate outcome.

I had a third degree tear the first time. Would prefer a natural birth this time but the Royal College of Obs reprts a 17% to 25% risk of faecal incontinence following a second vaginal delivery regardless of whether you tear or not this time. The risk is higher if you had any bowel symptoms following the tear even if these hd since resolved (I had a bit of urgency the first couple of months)

My understanding is that incontinence may not show up until post menopause when you begin to naturally lose muscle tone.

I don't think I'm brave enough to risk a second vb