worried about tearing in a second birth

[kyliec]

5 years ago, I apparently had 3rd deg. tear after 6lb4oz baby but have no after efects. I am 6mnths pregnant & have been offered c.sect. or episiotomy. Told nothing to be done to try prevent it happening again. What are other mothers experiences of giving birth again after 3rd. deg. tear. does anybody think birthing pools/perineal massage/different birthing positions help. I am extremely worried & upset as I wasn't told it was 3rd deg. at the time, only 2nd deg.. Probably wouldn't have got pregnant if I'd known.

I don't know what level a 3rd deg. tear is. I tore with all three of mine (into muscle) and had to be stitched back together every time. I would far rather that than a CSect. But only you will know I guess.

I had over twenty stiches internally with DS1, I had DS2 in october and no tears at all. I think because I pushed to hard to early with ds1, this time i just listened to the midwife and was also a lot calmer.

Good luck

Thanks for replying. A 3rd degree tear includes the anal sphincter so therefore may have have wind/faecal incontinence in the future. None of which I have. I would have a lot of stitches as I was approx an hour in theatre.

Hi kyliec

I had a third degree tear first time, also thankfully with no further problems. I had to see the obstetrician early on this time to 'discuss' it, but he said that as I'd had no problems with continence, etc then I was okay to just go for normal vaginal delivery. I think the advice is to try and take the pushing stage slow and steady, and the midwife would be better if they were more experienced (obs said this) as they can help protect the area better during the delivery.

I think the point is, a c-section is also major surgery with it's own risks (infection, risk of damage to bladder, etc) - none of which may happen, but you're just swapping one risk for another in my opinion. They can do an episiotomy at any stage so don't feel you have to commit to it beforehand - maybe let them see how you go on.

I'm going to go and find you a link I found useful - will post again in a minute.

Zoe

link on third degree tears

look at this site - it reassured me. It may happen again to us both or it may not, but deliberate intervention won't necessarily give a better outcome than a careful, natural delivery (I tore after an epi first time so I know that doesn't always help!).

For what it's worth, I'm planning a home birth so I have the best chance of being relaxed and unrushed, and of getting into a comfortable birthing position that will be sympathetic to my perineum.

Is it a doctor or midwife that suggested the epi or c-section? Might be useful to try and get a second opinion.

Thanks Zoec. I had already seen that website and found it good but it was just nice to be able to discuss it with someone myself. I sometimes feel that the midwife made me push too much and too quickly but I am not an expert. It was the obstetrition the suggested the c.sect. I have asked my GP to get hold of my old mid. notes to see exactly what has happened to me. I also want a nice relaxed birth next. May have to think about a private midwife/water birth. Has anyone tried perineal massage?

Kyliec - I tore badly with my ds 3.5yrs ago. It was a normal labour, but the pushing stage took ages and eventually his head literally burst out!

I had my 2nd 4mths ago and had only a tiny tear requiring 2 stitches. My recovery with ds was sooooooo ssssllow I thought I'd NEVER feel normal again. But 2nd time I felt normal within a couple of weeks.

With my 1st I had diamorphine so was quite out of it, plus I was scared of the pain and just wanted it over quickly (as you do!) sp I kind of ignored what the MW told me and just pushed really hard all the time. 2nd time around I was more 'with it' and listened when they told me to give little pushes then pant, little push then pant. Worked a treat! Dd came into the world nice and slowly.

What I trying to say (but babbling on a bit) is that just coz you had a tear 1st time doesn't mean it'll happen as bad again. You'll know more what to expect 2nd time around and will probably be more in control.

Good luck with it all.

From reading other peoples experiences giving birth, I really do think I was pushing too hard but not my fault. I had gas and air 'til second stage then nothing. I seem to be told to push harder, not pushing 'into my bottom'hard enough. I don't seem to recall at any time being told to pant and relax. I had my wits about me and not panicking and just did what the MW told me. I am coming to the conclusion that maybe it wasn't my just body that let me down but my MW. My labour wasn't long, 5pm started and gave birth at 3.55am. Maybe there is hope for the 2nd birth.

I had a 3rd degree tear with DS1 with no after effects. With DS2, when the tear looked vulnerable, the midwife did an episiotomy to prevent it tearing again. All fine, no after effects.

I had at least an hour of repair work in theatre after DS1.

kyliec, I tore with dd1 7lb, but not with dd2 or dd3 8lb. IMO it is down to the pushing stage. I pushed hard and fast, wasn't told to pant and just kept pushing with dd1. I even had bloodshot eyes afterwards.

I didn't tear or have an episiotomy 2nd and 3rd time round because I took it more slowly, even to the point of not pushing occasionally when the midwife was telling me to, because it didn't feel 'right'.