No info anywhere

[guhdoo]

Am i more likely to tear second time round if i did the first time round? will it be worse?
Opinions or experience needed as i cant seem to find any clear information anywhere.

There are far less tears reported for subsequent mothers so no you are not more likely (otherwise stats would be similar!)

I had an episiotomy with DD and dispite DS being well over 1lb heavier nothing!!

Have you thought about a waterbirth or perineal massage? Research and anecdotal evidence suggests both can be very helpful on reducing risks. Also only pushing when you feel the urge (not being told to push) and letting the head crown slowly both incredibly important.

Try not to worry too much though. X

Ditto what homebirthmummy said. I've also heard that holding a warm/hot flannel against the perineum during crowning (light pressure - not shoving against it) can also help limit tearing second time around. Interestingly enough, heat against the perineum does seem to relax it.

My friend had a horrible 3rd degree tear with her first baby (millimetre away from being a 4th degree as went into her anus but not all the way through) and yet had a very mild 1st degree tear second time around that they didn't even need to stitch. She gave birth on all fours and made sure that the midwives were fully briefed on her previous tear - they really helped her slow down at the crowning stage (lots of panting at the crucial moment). I also think she was massively helped by the fact that her second baby was born without a hand up by its face as the first had been - it's thought that this is what caused the grim tear the first time around. Her second baby was bigger too.

Hope this helps.

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