does tears always mean antibiotics

[lana29]

Posted in pregnancy but maybe should've put into this thread first!

I've had a horrible history of antibiotics in past (chronic thrush issue and messed up stomach, took months to try get rid of thrush) and now I'm worrying about tearing during the birth as think that means antibiotics? I think if it's 3rd or 4th tear? Do they give you antibiotics as prevention or only if it turns to infection and what kind - or is there cream available instead? and is it a must for 3rd/4th

I said to midwife today and she went it's 3 day course but hopefully wouldn't need! I've looked into reducing tears ie position of birth - says all fours are better, the massage thing I've not been able to do as not keen on oil near area as so sensitive.

I never had anti biopics after a year or episiotomy & stitches. Maybe that's changed in the past few years but I can't imagine why they would treat something that doesn't exist.

Tears mean stitches.. unlikely antibiotics

I had 10 years of thrush and then a 3rd degree tear, honestly it was fine and didn’t lead to thrush. Or if it did I didn’t notice as the pain of the tear and general labour masked it 🙃 if you are worried buy in some fluconazole now to have in the house but obviously check if it’s ok with any other drugs you’re given post birth/if you’re breastfeeding. Also after I had my first child (inc tear) my chronic thrush went so I hope that happens for you too! Must have been hormonal.

Probiotics will help your tummy if you need to take antibiotics. First baby I had a forceps delivery and episiotomy and second baby manual removal of placenta, had antibiotics with both as a precaution.

Antibiotics aren’t routinely given following first and second degree tears, but are given for 3rd and 4th which are rarer. Even with a c section you’re not sent home with antibiotics so try not to worry

Actually I don’t think my anti biotics were due to the tear, but due to group b strep. Doesn’t really make a difference to your question though as you can need ABs for all sorts in birth.

I had 2nd degree tears with my first, lots of stitches, no antibiotics. I gave birth on my back and I’m sure that’s what made me tear

I had some small tears with second - who I birthed standing up. Thoroughly recommend, it’s very empowering and baby definitely came easier because I used gravity.

I have had to have them following both my births. I had some for infected stitches, mastitis, catheter. So I'm sorry to say, it is possible you may need some

I had a third degree tear, my own fault didn't listen to the midwife and wanted it over and done with.
No anti biotics
Cleared up in 7 days

I had a tear and episiotomy no antibiotics, had to be on my back because of all the monitors etc

Oh healed really quickly

No antibiotics here either.

If they offer you antibiotics take them and back fill with probiotics to protect your gut flora.
I had post natal septicaemia (now known as sepsis) with multiple organ failure and 19 years later I am still affected (scarring of the lungs and multiple abdominal adhesions) after my last child's birth.
I know that gut problems from antibiotics can be awful, but a three day course could have saved me 15 weeks in hospital (3 in HDU) and missing out on the first 4 months of my baby's life.
Antibiotics save lives. Before them people died from a cut on the hand. They limit them to prevent them being overused when unnecessary, but when offered it is generally for good reason.

My first I had episiotomy and no antibiotics despite a small complication with healing at about 6 weeks PP.

My second I again had episiotomy and no antibiotics however had a bigger complication with healing only about a week PP and was then prescribed then. I then went on to develop yet another complication and ended up having 3 courses of different antibiotics over about the first 4 weeks PP. Which left me with upset bowels for all that time which whilst I had a painful, weak, healing pelvic floor was an issue in itself too.

3rd degree tear and episiotomy - pretty sure no antibiotics but it was 22yrs ago.
3 x 2nd degree tears - definitely no antibiotics.

I had a second degree test and episiotomy with DD1, wasn’t prescribed antibiotics. However one of the stitches popped so I was advised by GP to have a course of antibiotics as re-stitching wasn’t an option.

This is all reassuring! I take it if my hospital does offer as preventative could I just not take since so many haven't here and been fine but of course if it did turn to infection then speak to them
x

3b tear with dc1 and no meds (I was offered iron tablets but didn't want to deal with risk of constipation and a tear into my anus so refused). Needed epidural for stitching.
Dc2 was an episiotomy and tear and stitches done under local. Again no meds.

It's very unlikely they will give you antibiotics unless you have an infection.

I had a third degree tear and wasn't given antibiotics.

I had a 3rd degree tear 4 months ago and was given antibiotics

I had a third degree tear in Jan and had antibiotics

3rd degree tear two years ago and left two sets of antibiotics. They want to prevent infection that could lead to the wound not healing and incontinence issues, so definitely worth taking!