ELCS or vaginal birth after episiotomy?

[pogthecat]

I’m currently pregnant with DC2, and would like some advice about the birth.

I was induced for my first labour. DC was back to back and got stuck, I had to have an epidural at 9cm to stop my body pushing. Many hours later, I had to go to theatre and had an episiotomy, 2x failed ventouse and DC was finally born by forceps.

My episiotomy didn’t heal. It got infected and split. 6 months later it was still leaking pus and not right, so I had surgery to repair my vagina. All has been OK since then.

Due to this, my current pregnancy is being considered high risk and I will be seeing a consultant to discuss my birth. I know that they will suggest a c-section.

The surgeon who did my repair suggested I would be able to have a vaginal delivery, but would have to take things very slow.

I’d prefer a vaginal birth, but am worried about causing irreparable damage to my body. I fear that if I attempt a vaginal birth and the episiotomy splits (or something?) it will be too late for them to do anything to help me, and it will just have to rip open and deal with the consequences after.

The thought of a c-section scares me.

What would you choose in my situation? Any other thoughts, comments or stories of similar situations that may be helpful either way are welcome!

Oh and I was told that if I go into spontaneous labour (i did last time) before the agreed date I'll still be offered a C-section as long as I get to the hospital in time

That’s good, Bobojangles

It’s encouraging to know that people who have experienced similar have gone on to have vaginal deliveries with no problems.

I have a long time to think about it and weigh up all the options and information given to me, before I have to make a decision. Which is good, because right now I don’t know what to think!

Thank you all

I had a 3rd degree tear with my first after a tough labour. I didn't have the healing problems you had though. I had my second vaginally 7 months ago. I tore again still a 3rd but not as bad. He was born quickly and at home so that was a factor in causing the tear. I'm ok. It took longer to heal and I can tell there is a lot of scar tissue. My risk of tearing again was 8%. I just wanted you to have a response from someone who the fear of tearing again came true and is ok.

I had episiotomy and ventouse with dc1 and healed fine. Had dc2 vginally and despite pushing only when midwife said I tore a lot more requiring a big repair. Dc3 midwife said she thought she’d help me deliver without tearing. I tore and had retained placenta requiring a theatre trip.
Saying this because you can’t always take it slowly or prevent tears just by trying!
If it were me I’d go for the planned cs.

Thank you both. Where you’ve had second tears, how was the healing process? Has it had any longer term effects?

Same situation and I had an elective c section. It was a breeze compared to last time. After 2 weeks I felt almost back to normal. It took 11 weeks with my last birth!

Hi mintich did you find you came up against much resistance or was the elcs recommended/offered to you?

The midwife made an appointment for me to discuss options with the consultant in light of my previous birth. I had to go to two appointments then a third at 36 weeks when they booked the c section date. I wouldn't say I had resistance but they wanted to know that I knew the risks and that I wasn't viewing it as an easy option.
I have to say I actually enjoyed the c section! It was very relaxing in theatre and the surgeons were very chatty.

pog it took a lot longer to heal second time but I don’t think it got infected. Hurt for a long time but got better eventually. No major longer term problems.

Karwomannghia I’m glad you’ve healed and have no problems now thank you for sharing with me.