Episiotomy with 1st, deep 2nd degree tear with 2nd. Would you go for c section with 3rd?

[Lizbiz89]

Just what the title says. I've just found out I'm pregnant with no3 and I'm nervous about causing damage down there after 2 tears. My first baby was a forcep and episiotomy delivery. And my second was a water birth which went well but still had a deep 2nd degree tear (he was a big baby). Anyone else had similar births and what did you decide with your 3rd?

I should mention I recovered quite well with both. Although with my first I developed a chronic anal fissure but I have that mostly sorted now with good diet.

I had two second degree tears. I also tore towards the urethra. The Dr recommended I have a c-sec if I had a third as I'd tear again. I stuck with two.

Yes I would.

I had a third degree and episiotomy with my first. Just a graze with my second and a second degree with my third. I healed well from all of them and in my opinion a small tear is better than major surgery.

Similar here. Episiotomy and forceps with #1, then a 'precipitous labour ' with a 9lb11 baby which left a nigh on 4th degree tear.

With #3 it was complicated. I tested positive for strep b while pregnant so had to have antibiotics while in labour. So that combined with previous speedy birth and #3 looking yo be big again it was decided to have a sweep etc at 39 wks before he got too big, in the hope that I would go into labour in hospital allowing time for the antibiotics.

I had a fairly managed labour, with a new watching down below to check for signs of tearing while pushing and we both came away unscathed.

I had very similar 1st and 2nd births to yours, but had completely straightforward vaginal deliveries with 3 and 4, with no further damage. I didn't want to have a C section if I could possibly avoid it as I would have struggled to look after the older ones after such major surgery....

I had an episiotomy with my first, a nasty tear (not sure of the type but it took ages to heal) with my second, and with my third I had only the slightest graze which didn't need stitches. It didn't occur to me to think about a c-section, in fact I had a planned home birth with my third.

My 2nd was large 10lb6oz and nowt but one stitch. It's not to do with having big babies really but position of baby and just you.

I would seriously consider a c section after you having a 2nd degree year with a calm water birth tbh.

@RandomMess it was water birth, but not calm. I delivered him within 8 minutes of getting in. It was a very fast labour. I agree with you though, big baby doesn't equal tear.

Hmm so could be fast again, although mine were all fast at the end with "stunned" babies that didn't get to turn properly. My 4th official labour was 1 minute 🤣 10 hours of induction pain prior to that though!

A friend had 2 x 3rd degree year and the consultant said it will happen again and please agree to have a c-section 🤷🏽‍♀️

@whosaidtha and @Panicmode1 so happy to hear you had good experiences. Like I said I recovered well after both of my births (no incontinent issues etc). I would rather have a vaginal birth as well. Just the fear of doing permanent damage down there.

@IhearyouClemFandango sounds like you had a lot to deal with with your 3rd birth. Did you need any stitches after?

@DramaAlpaca I'm contemplating a home birth as well as my second came so quickly. I'm glad it was a positive experience for you.

I was told by my consultant and physiotherapist that having a tear with one baby doesn't increase the chances of tearing in future deliveries.

My first 2 births needed episiotomies, my third I had a graze. I was quite scared I would open up the old scars or need a third episiotomy but it was fine in the end.

Yes I would. I was left with a fistula after my 3rd vaginal birth. Supposed to be rare. 🫠