Ouch!

[highlander]

whilst writing up my thesis I'm always getting distracted by interesting (but highly irrelevant articles). This, however, I had to share......

In a Lancet review article, a large 1998 UK study reported that 85% of women will suffer perineal tearing during childbirth. Of those, 2/3 will require suturing

Up to 1/3 will suffer damage to the anal sphincter. The major risk here is forceps (do they still use forceps?) And given that epidurals have recently been correlated with an increased incidence of instrumental delivery..... (BMJ a few weeks ago).

Too posh to push? You betcha!

oliveoil, I remember now where you are. know what you mean about needing extra help towards the end, that first pregnancy is SUCH a luxury just looking after yourself. don't worry about the shoes, you have bigger fish to fry

I had DD 9 days ago after a four and a hlaf hour labour where she flew out with both hands by her head which tore me pretty badly. I had loads of stitches (forgot to ask how many) read on my notes it was a second degree tear.

They are still a bit tender but not too bad, hopefully things will calm down and I won't be left with too many side effects. (peeing in the shower is great sorry )