Did you have c-section or natural birth after a previous 3rd degree tear?

[MayimBialik]

I'm currently thinking about DC number 2 but suffered a 3rd degree tear during my first labour. I have healed well and suffered no side effects whatsoever.

I'd LOVE to give birth naturally again, I actually enjoyed it the first time (although I may have forgotten all the horrible parts!) but I'm worried I'll be pushing my luck and will make potential underlying problems that I'm not aware of worse and not be so lucky the second time.

I'm also worried that when it comes to pushing I'll hold back because psychologically i'll be worrying about tearing. Which in turn could also cause more problems because I won't be relaxed.

And finally, having never had a c-section, I'm worried about the side effects of that, recovery with a toddler to look after etc.

Any advice and/experience of this world be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

I had a third tear and also healed up with no problems. Am 40 weeks on Tuesday with a 20 month old and at no point in any of my midwife appointments has anyone suggested that a C-section is more likely. I saw a consultant at 20 weeks or so who basically asked if I'd had any problems healing up first time and when I said no, didn't seem to think there would be any second time round. I think some women are more prone to tearing generally so am expecting to again but they are so common I'm not sure there's much you can do about it - just hope it heals up again nicely!

Marking my place as i had a 4th degree tear with DC1 and am due in January with DC2. I will be having an elcs. I am worried about recovery after surgery too, but it took months to feel anywhere near normal again after my first. Would love to hear of any others experiences also.

Thanks for the replies both.

Hoping more people will be along soon with advice/experiences.

Interesting no one mentioned C-Section to you - I was told I may need one for future children within minutes of giving birth (like that was in my mind at the time!)

I'm 13 weeks with dc2 and after a 3rd degree tear will be opting for a csection as it took 2 years to feel myself again. During my recovery two consultants have written that a csection would be better for my emotional recovery so I'm hoping when I see the consultant at 16 weeks I won't be fighting my corner.

I had a third degree tear with DS and it took a while to heal and I had some recurring probs afterwards with the tear. When I had DD 2yrs later, I had no problems at all with the tear and only ended up with one minor (second degree I think) tear. I asked for a C section as I was so scared of tearing again but I was refused as it was thought unnecessary.

Mayim, I was v anxious before the birth and was worried the previous tear would be weak and would give way again but I'd written in my notes about this fear and the midwife was very attentive and really helped me during the birth. The birth was quick and midwife guided me as to when to breathe, pant or push and It seemed like I hardly pushed at all, I just knelt up on the bed and DD just came out without much labouring on my part.

I've just had a c section due to pervious fourth degree tear

I do not regret the choice at all

I am in pain but I know I will heal
And I won't have the long term problems from a fourth degree tear

Tea,I'm sure you will have no troubleat all getting a cs if that's what you'd like
Best of luck
And stand your ground and ask to see someone else if they say no,which they won't xx