Scared- infected episiotomy last time. Anyone else?

[LittleRedDinosaur]

I had a horrid time last time- high forceps as DD's heart rate dropped dramatically. Had to get her out in 1 push or they were going to do a section. Huge episiotomy which was very painful and then completely opened up on day 4 because of an infection. I couldn't sit down for 2 weeks and had to wee standing up for 5 weeks. Only completely pain free about six months later.
I'm now 35 weeks and have been doing some perineal massage for a week. I've never had a feel before but the scar fe

(Oops) feels horrid on the inside- goes all the way back to my bum and is really thick and lumpy.
Have read that I'm more likely to tear along the scar this time because of the infection and that scares me.
I don't want to opt for a section unless I really have to so I was just interested in anyone else who had been in this position and was wondering what you did next time and how it went.
Thank you everyone

Bump?

If you're 35w then I'm guessing you've seen a consultant, what do they advise? Fwiw I had a first birth like u, my second also involved perineum trauma but from what I've read.on here that's v rare, many ppl don't have a similar experience second time around. Also the drs in the hospital really looked after me, and I myself knew how treat stitches so I was.meticulous about it and I had a much better recovery. I just gave birth to dc3 yday so it certainly didn't put me off having another baby!

I had an infected episiotomy the first time round as well, took eight months to get it all sorted out and I was also very worried about having the same thing happen again! However second birth was totally different. I think during delivery the midwife said she was applying pressure to the scar which made it less likely to tear but I'm not 100% sure about that. I only had a small tear, couldn't believe how little it hurt compare to the episiotomy and it healed up very quickly. I hope everything goes really well for you.

Oh yes, I forgot to mention that, the consultant said for my third birth a about midwife had to protect my perineum just as Rilla describes..could this be an option for u to discuss with mw/ consultant?

*a senior midwife

Rilla- really useful to hear your story- I'm definitely feeling better about things, thanks!
Congratulations lightening! I saw a consultant at 12 weeks who said that it was reasonable indication for a section but certainly not a definite need.
Just having a 35 week wobble I think.
Thank you both