Had pretty major episiotomy last time around - what will happen to it this time

[handlemecarefully]

Had a pretty major episiotomy last time around (due to trial by theatre and use of forceps and ventouse). Bit worried about this time around. I'm bound to tear there aren't I? - and will it be like a road traffic accident???...i.e. will I ever be the same 'down there' again after a second lot of ripping and tearing.... The reason I am worrying is that I feel a bit tender in that spot right now (perhaps due to pressure from the baby - am 31 weeks), and that's before I've pushed him out!

After a big episiotomy the first time I tore the second time but not in the same place, and the second tear healed up fine (it did take a while but that's a separate issue) and honestly, now, I don't have a problem with it. I do occasionally have a twinge from the first one, but the second's given me no trouble whatsoever.

You aren't bound to tear anyway, I'm sure. I think I did principally because I pushed so damn hard.

I'm glad you've posted this hmc because I've started feeling tender on the site of my epiostomy too which I have put down to the pressure of the baby. I didn't have all the intervention you had but had a large baby which necessitated the episiotomy. If I have a second one will that be over the first one or will they cut the other way?

Handlemecarefully - even though you had a legre episiotomy last time, it does not necessarily mean you will need another one or tear. It is not unusual for the area to feel tender due to hormonal changes and pelvic congestion of pregnancy. The first baby has paved the was for subsequent ones, the muscles will stretch much more easily for delivery and you are less likely to need assistance this time.

Bozza - a repeat episiotomy is done in the same area avoiding the old scar if poss.

Thanks Mears. Am hoping to go for a homebirth this time so hopefully it will be relaxed and I can take my time over pushing the baby out. But seen as how it took two hours last time I'm hoping this one won't be any longer - but like you said the route has been established.

HMC, I had three episiotomies but managed to deliver my 4th baby without, even with all the scar tissue, so you may well avoid one this time around.

With my first, I had an episiotomy which got things moving so quickly that I ended up with a 3rd degree tear as well.

Second time around things were going slowly and I literally begged them to give me an episotomy. I was quite terrified about it the first time round, but it turned out not to be a big deal.

Sorry, I wasn't trying to belittle your fears, I just meant that it might not be as bad as you thought.

HMC, your story of your first episiotomy sounds just like mine. A year later it still feels bruised. I really hope that all the advice here comes true for you because I know how you must be feeling. I am sure that the first baby has caused the muscles to be more stretchy for subsequent babies- just like Mears said.
Make sure you put your feet up to relieve pressure from the new baby.

Thanks everyone - I feel reassured after reading your posts

Like you i had a major episiotomy for my first baby. I was a real mess after forceps & ventouse. I too imagined that with the pressure of giving birth again i would just split open along the scar. But i'm happy to say that with my second i didn't need an episiotomy or tear at all. That area coped fine a second time and stretched so i had no stitches. Hopefully it'll be fine for you too.

I had an episiotomy with No 1 due to a forceps delivery.

Have since gone on to have DS1 (26 months later) and DD2 (22 months after DS1) without a tear or episiotomy for either of those.

Had a slight graze with DD2 but didn't need stitching.

Bozza

Just to reassure you - my 2nd stage with DD1 was 1.5 hours pushing after which GP was called in to perform forceps - so I think in total was just under 2 hours.

DS1 and DD2 - completely different! DS1 took 10 mins and DD2 took 2 pushes!

Glad I have found this chat topic as I am having nightmares about the birth of my second child. Last time, I had a nasty forceps delivery, a deep episiotomy that did not heal properly and had to be redone six months later - and prolapsed piles. My body was a mess for a year and the episiotomy scar (which is very deep) is still uncomfortable. I would love to be able to gauge how this next birth will go by hearing from women who had similar experiences first time round. Please add a message for me here or email me on [email protected].

AQ - your next baby is less likely to be born with the use of forceps as the first baby has paved the way if you like. An episiotomy is often needed with a forceps delivery to give more room for the actual forceps. It is likely that next time around you may push the baby out on your own without the need for forceps. You may well not need an episiotomy at all.

Dear Mears
Thanks for your message. This is what the obstetrican told me. But how likely is it? I know there is no guarantee and I cannot go through that again....

I had a forceps delivery and episiotomy with dd1, the episiotomy was uncomfortable until I had ds 3 yrs later. I did not need an episiotomy that time, I tore in exactly the same place but opted not to have stitches. I have had absolutely no problems since.

Dear Ailsa
Thanks for your message. I hope I end up like you!