Please or to access all these features

Add post

Watch this thread

Save thread

Start a new thread

Flip thread

Hide thread

My feed

Active Unanswered threads

Getting started FAQ's

Unanswered threads Acronyms Talk guidelines

Hide shortcut buttons

Talk

Childbirth

Share experiences and get support around labour, birth and recovery.

Flip

Original poster

% of women who opt for VB after 3rd Degree tear last time??

13 replies

flippyfloppy · 18/01/2011 21:00

Hi there, I have posted in "pregnancy" prior to my appointment with the Consultant. I had a 3rd (B) degree tear with DD three years ago. She was 8lbs 14ozs. Had consultant appointment last week who just kept stating I had a 90% chance of no tearing if I have another VB. However he did say I would be more likely to tear down the same scar and he also pointed out that the damage from DD Birth may not be apparent for years to come (mentioned incontinence after menopause!) They want to scan me again at 34 weeks to check the size of the baby and I need to make a decision then on VB or ELCS. I am really nervous at the prospect of another VB and wonder if I should count myself lucky and not risk it again, I also worry mentally how I can push when I have a fear of how I will hold out down there but I am also really fearful of an ELCS! I kind of wish the decision had been made for me. I just wondered if anyone out there knows what % of women opt for ELCS after a 3rd degree tear compare to who opts for another VB? Does anyone regret going for another VB?

OP posts:

Are your children’s vaccines up to date?

Set a reminder

jetgirl · 18/01/2011 21:08

I did. DD was only 5lb 8oz but came out very quickly after 25 hours and with her arm over her head. I also had an episiotomy so I was quite a mess down there! DS was born 2 years later, 8lb1oz and only second degree tear, in a different place.
I did talk through all my options with consultant and mw (very experienced nd I trusted her more) and was happy to go with a vaginal delivery.You shouldn't feel pressured into a VB if you are very worried though.
I don't know what the % is though, which is what you actually asked! I just like to share my positive experience

Original poster

flippyfloppy · 18/01/2011 21:18

Thanks for your story jetgirl, lovely to hear a positive experience. I guess I am just wondering if most people opt for a ELCS or a VB, but in reality I think everyone's situation is so different it is will be hard to get a statistic!

OP posts:

GruffalosGirl · 18/01/2011 21:26

I'm going for a elcs this time after a 3rd degree tear with my last birth as I have incontinence issues.

There is a huge thread on here that talks about this that might have more info for you. You'll find it if you do a search for 3rd degree tear.

Original poster

flippyfloppy · 18/01/2011 22:01

Thanks GG, I'll do a search. Good Luck with your ELCS

OP posts:

choccybar · 22/01/2011 19:53

first was forceps, epidural, chemical induction drugs, pethidine, prom, high blood pressure due to induction
forceps with epis then 3 C tear

second decided against gp and coms to have VB

and i was amazed at how better itv was

intead of 28 hr labour

4 hours, just gas abnd air at end
no tear - just a small epis that healed quick

pelvic floor okay and no probs with incontinence

please ask if you want to know how i prepared for this

RufousBartleby · 22/01/2011 20:07

Not sure about %, but I wouldn't risk it.

Have ended up with continence problems following botched epis - feel very lucky not to be completely incontinent. Physio told me that most female obs/gyn opt to have c-sections so as not to 'compromise' their pelvic floors. I know a c-section is a serious op, but honestly is it worth taking the chance?

I guess as you say though OP everyones situation is different.

yummytummy · 23/01/2011 16:00

hi, i would be interested in % as well. as for me i had a third degree tear which took a very long time to heal and which even the consultant said was 'nasty' i know there are just no guarantees and you just cant predict if you will tear again but for me i just dont want to take the risk esp with incontinence issues. also would find it very hard to recover from the amount of pain i had and look after a very active toddler! i have opted for an elcs which is in less than 8 wks eek! but tbh after last time i wouldnt have even thought of getting pg if didnt have elcs as an option. but everyone is so different and every pregnancy and birth seems to be too. just go with your gut feeling!

Readytoburst · 23/01/2011 17:27

I was told that I sustained anymore damage down there after my 3rd degree tear I would be risking problems for life. I'm booked for my section in two weeks and the relief is phenomenal. I realise a section is not an easy option but I don't think I could go through that again.

Original poster

flippyfloppy · 24/01/2011 12:40

Hi there, thanks for all your messags. I think I am swaying towards an ELCS, I just wonder if I would be silly to risk anymore damage down there. Maybe count myself "lucky" it wasn't worse consquences last time. I am going to chat with my midwife when I next see her in a few weeks, if I do decide to have an ELCS i think I need to spend time preparing for it, as I am worried I will feel a bit "cheated" which is silly I know. Choccybar what made you decide to go ahead with the VB? were you very anxious leading up and during the birth? and what did you do to prepare?

OP posts:

Readytoburst · 24/01/2011 14:01

I felt 'cheated' by my vb. I had a retained placenta which masked the 3rd degree tear and was in too much pain to hold dd, then had surgery. I hardly saw my daughter for 3-4 hours after birth and then had to wait for my legs to come back to do anything for her as they'd kicked out my husband (visiting time was over). I figured a section has to be better!

Original poster

flippyfloppy · 24/01/2011 19:41

RTB, how awful, I agree a section sounds the only option, certaintly not worth the risk. I'm glad you are feeling relieved. My consultant didn't really personalise what he was saying just national statistic of 10% chance of tearing again?!? And also that just because I am classed as asymptomatic now it doesn't mean in the future I will be. I am hoping to get more personal guidance from my midwife.

I'll watch out on here to hear how your ELCS went, good luck !

OP posts:

lostinafrica · 24/01/2011 20:12

Just to add my experience...

I had a 3rd degree tear with my first, who was big and two weeks late. It was stitched up well (apparently they had pioneered some new method in that hospital - who'd've thought it of Croydon?!) and I had no further problems. I was worried with the next, though, so I asked to be induced earlier. They agreed to induce me on the DD. It went well, baby was fortunately smaller than first, but whole experience more straightforward anyway.

Went on to have third, which was best birth experience of the lot, and fourth which was by EMCS and not an experience I'd like to repeat.

Of course, I can't say what's right for you. I would consider how well you've healed, how you're doing with your pelvic floor exercises(!) and whether this is your last birth or not...

PenguinsMummy · 25/01/2011 14:33

Everyone is different and entirely up to you.

DD1 was 8lb8 and I had episotomy and a bad 3rd degree tear. Labour was about 6 hours in total.

When pregnant with DD2, I was also told it was highly unlikely to happen again and go for a VB. DD2 was 8lb15 and I had another 3rd degree tear along the same scar tissue although not quite as deep. Labour was about 1h 45m in total so think the speed with which she came out didn't help at all!!

I have healed well both times thankfully.

I am now pregnant with DD3 and I am definitely having ELCS this time as I am not going to risk another 3rd degreee as consultant now says highly likely and repair would be difficult given already been repaired twice along the same scar tissue and it could even go to 4th degree so not worth the risk for future issues.

Flip