How many of you that had a water birth/ & delivery tore?

[Dozeyland]

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me, but not that bad, only a few stitches. It didn't help that DD was over 10lbs.

ouch!

I did with DS2 - it was a small 2nd degree tear. I got a nasty internal graze that caused me a LOT more distress - but that would have happened no matter how and where I gave birth. I also had one with DS1 (had had an episiotomy). Maybe my babies just have extra sharp heads/elbows or whatever it it that causes them.

I did. Dd was little (6lbs 10) but I had a fairly nasty "y" shaped tear which had to have a lot of stitches. Actually, the stitching hurt more than the birth!

Dozey - I had a waterbirth with DS2 and tore - but along the lines of the tear I had from DS1 and was only in the water for 15 minutes before DS2 came out so the water didnt have a chance to stretch/supple the old scar tissue if you see what I mean. Only needed a couple of stitches and was fine.

Are posting all of these threads really helping you get ready for childbirth or freaking you out more? I'd say, relax, enjoy the remainder of your pregnancy, go with the flow in birth, listen to your body and let your midwife know your wishes and focus on your breathing and you'll be fine.

I didn't. Was my third dc but I didn't tear for the first two either.

Little internal tear/graze. Nothing that needed stitches anyway :)

Im just interested to see peoples experiences.

If i shut off not think, im not sure if thst'll help for when it does actually start, or do i be realistic and read peoples stories.

not quite sure why i have so many Q's to ask.

:S

Not quite a waterbirth but I did spend the majority of labour in the pool. (I hit transition while I was out of the pool and it was all over too quickly after that to top it up with warm water and get back in...)

No tearing, a slight graze from DD's hand above her head, no toilet problems, v. quick recovery.

Personally I read as much as I could before DD was born. (I don't find ignorance reassuring.) It depends on your individual temperament.

Had a waterbirth and tore. Had 3 stitches. Not too bad, but I now have a uglier fango than I had before birth.

No poos in the pool either.

I had a water birth and tore. I'd had enough by that point and gave an almighty push - DS was born in one go..head, shoulders and the rest. If I'd just waited and been a bit slower then I think I'd have been OK.

Didn't need stitches though.

I have had 3 wb's first one in hossy - I got a 2nd degree tear, sounds bad, but wasn't - I didn't have any stitches and never noticed it at all. Baby 9lbs 1oz.

Next two were home water births, 10lbs 2oz and 10lbs 13oz, no tears.

I had a waterbirth and tore, but I'm pretty sure it's because I didn't know I was pushing and pushed when I should have stopped. It was a second degree tear, I had stitches (with a local first!), it was no bother and all healed up within a couple of weeks. Didn't really notice it being that different with my second birth (no tear).

Fair enough Dozey - but remember, no two births are the same. I was freaked out about tearing before DS1's birth - but tear I did, and actually when giving birth I couldnt give two hoots about tearning, I was focused on getting my baby out. The more you worry, the more likely you are to panic etc. in birth. All for going into the birth process with eyes wide open - but there's a fine line to tread. And FWIW in the weeks before DS2's birth I hid the entire childbirth section so I wasnt tempted to post in it

yep fraid so, 4th degree tear.

I had an awful tear with DS1 which needed restitching after 3 months. DS2 was delivered by forceps and did not tear. DS3 was born in the birthing pool and he arrived in just two pushes weighing 9lb 6.5oz - MW was sure I would have a nasty tear but nothing. Not sure if this is because I was in the water or due to some unfortunate physical trait of mine .

two water births, only a tiny graze for the second (didn't need stitches or anything).

Laboured in the pool, and gave birth on dry land. I had an internal graze, I put it down to luck and listening to what the midwife told me to do (I trusted her).
It will all just happen and instinct will kick in, anything could happen, you will have little control in the end if your baby/body has different ideas.