WWYD c-section or vaginal birth ?

[Babybeesmama]

Have posted a thread about this before but am armed with more info to make a decision now but need help!

In brief. Pregnant with DC 3...

DD1 quick labour 2nd degree tear
DS speed of lightning labour 3rd degree tear.. repaired in theatre, no problems at all.

So.. saw consultant yesterday & discussion was around elective c-section or natural labour. Risk of another 3rd degree tear is higher this time round. Hospital recommends if asymptotic c-section is not standard.. but they are offering me a choice & if I want a c-section that's fine.

So wwyd? My concern is that if I have another 3rd degree I might have problems after? Plus having had a 2nd degree once already then a 3rd.. is this not a lot?

My personal preference is vaginal birth.. but I'm scared I could have problems in future if I end up with another 3rd degree... and I imagine this birth will be even quicker 🙈

They will discuss again at 34 weeks.

Hi OP
I just had a c section (for breech) after 3 vaginal births. Vaginal births were only 2nd degree/1st degree/2nd degree tear though. Last vaginal birth was v quick and was asked to push out in a position that is meant to prevent tearing, but actually felt worse to me.
C section recovery is so much worse for me. It is different for everyone though I think. I bounced straight back after all my vaginal deliveries. Most of my friends with assisted deliveries esp forceps say the same. From the facts you state, quick labour and quick recovery I would go for a vaginal delivery. Have they ever discussed giving you a preventative episiotomy to manage the tearing? I think they do that in some countries. C section really is major abdominal surgery and your core muscles are really affected. No driving or lifting for 6 weeks etc so can be v restrictive. But as I said everyone's experience appears to be different.

I had 40 hours of labor followed by emergency cs with ds and a VBAC with labia tear (and 14 stitches) with dd. If I had it to do all over again I would have had a cs for both. Our bodies were not made to give birth in our late 30's.

CS is not a walk in the park. I had CS then three normal, one episiotomy, and felt much better after nor mal delivery although last was far from normal.
Can I advise Calendular cream before and after. Before is supposed to help supple and stretch and after for cuts tears to repair. Midwife couldn't believe how quick I repaired and took the name of it.

It really depends if the previous 3rd degree tear has left you with continence problems. As you are probably already aware, there is no guarantee that you will or will not tear again. That said, with 2 other DC, do you really want to go through major surgery and the long healing process and of being mobile or able to drive for weeks?

I am currently 33 weeks with my second. I had a 3rd degree tear last time and had to go to surgery. I also haven't had any problems.
This time I have chosen to give birth in the mid wife led unit locally. I am abit nervous that it could happen again and leave me with issues but after weighing up the pros and cons I have decided I'm prepared to risk it. Good luck!

Thanks for all the replies. I think I'm going to go for vaginal birth... going to talk through concerns with midwife & anything I can do to prevent tearing. And will also ask about episiotomy! I really didn't fancy CS.. it's just a hard decision. I've healed really well after last tear with no symptoms. Thanks again everyone.

Glad you've been able to make a decision, OP. For what it's worth, I think I'd have made the same choice. I agree it's worth asking about episiotomy. Good luck!

I had on paper an awful natural birth with ventoise, episiotomy and a shoulder dystopia (dd was fine). Was advised c section for next birth as ds was another huge baby and whilst I am happy with the decision the planned calm c section was so much worse in terms of recovery. For me it would
Be natural all the way.

Definitely v birth with episiotomy

I had a similar dilemma and for my second went for a CS. In my case the recovery from the CS was a million times better than natural delivery. Obviously it's a chance thing but I'd def opt for CS! I didn't want further damage to an already badly affected area.

I've just had a c section after a 3rd degree tear. I would take the c section any day, it was calm and relaxed, and I've healed nicely. The first 24 hours were rough, but it's been less painful than the tear was since. 6 weeks on, I'm more active and in no discomfort, whereas with the tear it took ages to recover and I had double incontinence for a while.

Had a fourth degree tear with my first and will have ELCS this time.