More tearing the more natural births?

[sugarplumfairy28]

Having a mild panic. I've had two natural home births. DS a minor tear, DD 2nd degree at worst, although no stitches and no real confirmation as to what was going on down there. Does this mean I'm heading for a possible 3rd degree tear?

sugarplum, i've had 2 natural home births. DS1 tore more than DS2. If you're really concerned about it, consider reading the hypnobirthing book... some good advice about breathing the baby down, instead of pushing, etc... might help slow things down for you so less chance of a tear?

good luck.

I had a second degree tear with dd1 which needed stitches. Had her lying on hospital bed on back.

Dd2 home water birth, birthing kneeling leaning over side of pool - minor first degree tear - no stitche, totally healed 4 weeks later.

I did the hypnobirthing stuff but I never managed to breathe baby out the second time as she just kind of flew out.

My mum had three homebirths with no tearing! I had an episiotomy with dc1 and a second degree tear at home with dc2. Have never heard that you tear more the more births you have. Currently planning a homebirth with dc3 & expecting another 2nd degree year though!

My 2nd was the only one that I had stiches after. 3rd was a doddle after that. At home too. Best wishes for the birth and have fun with your new baby.

I had an episiotomy, forceps & stitches with DC1.

With DC2 I tore & had loads of stitches. It took ages to heal and was very sore. Not sure what degree of tear it was.

With DC3 I had a home birth & no tearing, just a slight graze that didn't need stitches. I think what made the difference was the position in which I gave birth - kneeling upright leaning over the couch. He flew out so fast I was sure I'd tear, but it was fine.

I had a second degree tear that needed stitches with DS1, and just a small graze (not needing stitches) with DS2. Both hospital births, DS2 was induced.

DS2 was almost 2lb heavier than DS1 as well.

There is no logic in saying if you have a 1st degree tear followed by a 2nd, you will have a 3rd degree tear with a third baby. Arguably, subsequent births should be "easier" because the exit has been used before, iyswim But of course that depends on the position of the baby and all sorts.

Third degree tears tend to happen mostly with large babies, with instrumental deliveries, with epidurals, with prolonged second stages, with first births, with posterior babies... They're also quite rare, about 1% of births.

I had one, and have some guidelines bookmarked, so that's why I know this

I had no tearing just a graze, I think it may have had something to do with my absolute refusal to push during crowning, my thinking was when you stretch something you do it slowly, you don't just go for it. MW wasn't happy that I just shouted " NO" when she said push .

Surely its the other way round? Should tear less for subsequent births? Am heading for birth four so hope so. Had stitches for no. 1,tore a bit for no. 2 but healed much better without stitches. Can't member any damage for no. 3 !

Nope. I know someone with serious tearing with DC1 and loads of stitches. DC2 just popped out, one small stitch needed and that was it.

I had 2nd degree tear with DS1, In hospital, pethadine and on my back. Involved internal and external stitches. DS2 was on G&A with just a minor graze. So much better all round. He was 8lb 13 so quite a chunk!

I think you just need to follow your body and push when you feel you need to, rather than when you're being told to.

Thanks guys feeling a bit more optimistic, and having thought about it. DC2 the midwife was a bit more hands on and I wasn't in full control of what was going on, so maybe that's the key.

I had episiotomy, 2nd degree and then a 'graze' (it's not a bloody graze. It does hurt more than scuffing your knee. No stitches needed and fine in a few days though).

I can actually remember thinking 'go gentle, go gentle' during the pushing. My first had been instrumental as I couldn't push hard enough (epidural, could feel nothing, and lying down). With the second I totally went for it. Turns out my body pushes very hard when I can feel what I'm doing and I needed to be less aggressive.

MW told me I was 'beautifully controlled' during pushing. Which made me ridiculously proud of myself . I think you do learn about your body and its impluses in subsequent births, which helps.