Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. Only the apps you allow.

Meet the Other Phone.
Only the apps you allow.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
Childbirth

Share experiences and get support around labour, birth and recovery.

Original poster

Womb tears? Do I need another Caesarean?

9 replies

StudentHH · 04/10/2023 11:36

Hello
I’ll start by saying I know only a professional can really answer my question. And I have an appt for this, but in the meantime my mind is in overdrive so just curious to see if anyone had anything similar..

I had an EMCS with my first- he was back to back and after 2 hours of pushing they finally realised he wasn’t going to come out..

Anyway, the following morning the surgeon came around to check me, and said I’d had a small tear to my womb which he fixed whilst I was in surgery. I was too out of it to question it in the moment, but I do recall him saying he’d advise caesarean next time around: my notes only reference it as ‘Extention on Rt anlge into lower segement, not involving any ligament or bladder - closed in once layer’ but that doesn’t really mean too much to me

I am mindful that he advised caesarean, so is that the answer? Or is that him just being cautious? I know it’s my choice, but I want to make the right one - I know no one knows what that is!!

Has anyone ever had similar? What did you decide to do? Should I be questioning where this tear came from?

OP posts:
okthenwhat · 05/10/2023 14:23

If I had a tear on my womb I wouldn't think twice about another c-section. Far too much risk.

Original poster
StudentHH · 08/10/2023 22:39

Thank you, of course that makes total sense. Just trying to get my head around the ‘womb tear’. Google insinuates that it’s the same, less fancy way of saying uterine rupture? But I know that’s also incredibly rare!

OP posts:
peachgreen · 08/10/2023 22:43

Having seen a friend lose his wife to a vaginal birth after a complex c-section, I would opt for the section every time. But as you say, your team will be best placed to advise.

ellybelly123 · 20/10/2023 11:16

Hiya,

What was the outcome of your appointment? I had exactly the same situation, and my midwife suggests that the dr was just being over cautious, but feels dangerous to go against the advice of the surgeon (and interesting you've been told the same). But equally not sure how it's any more dangerous than a standard c section scar?

Will have an appt with consultant myself to discuss, but interested to know how yours went, as mine won't be for a while! X

Original poster
StudentHH · 20/10/2023 14:33

ellybelly123 · 20/10/2023 11:16

Hiya,

What was the outcome of your appointment? I had exactly the same situation, and my midwife suggests that the dr was just being over cautious, but feels dangerous to go against the advice of the surgeon (and interesting you've been told the same). But equally not sure how it's any more dangerous than a standard c section scar?

Will have an appt with consultant myself to discuss, but interested to know how yours went, as mine won't be for a while! X

Hello!!
Essentially the old chestnut that it’s my decision. But the advice is to go for the caesarean. The risk of uterine rupture just increases, and I’m not sure that it’s a risk I’m willing to take. Vaguely, I think a straight forward cut and stitch will be more robust compared to the bit that’s torn (in probably not a straight line) and stitched. Which is why they make a point of advising it.
Upon seeing a different midwife she actually agrees with the advice of caesarean. I think what I find frustrating is that you’ll get different opinions depending on which professional you speak to, there’s no clear cut answer unfortunately.
If I really want a VBAC they will work with me to devise a birth plan, but I don’t know that I feel confident enough to go against the advice and I’d kick myself if things went pear shaped again.
What do you think you’re likely to do? :-)

OP posts:
ellybelly123 · 20/10/2023 14:59

Thanks so much for replying ☺️ that's really interesting! Like you, I have googled this a LOT and can't find anything relevant (it all seems to talk about actual uterine ruptures, which isn't what happened!)

If I'm told the same as you (which I strongly suspect I will be!) then I think I'll do the same and follow the advice for a c section. As much as I'm sad at the prospect of never experiencing a vaginal birth, if it's going against the advice then I imagine I'd be filled with anxiety so much that it's not worth it anyway.

I think deep down I was hoping that my surgeon was somehow super strict and was speaking out of turn, but sounds like not the case.

My husband will be pleased anyway, every time I mention a VBAC I can see his face fill with fear haha. How long have you got to make a final decision? I'm only 9 weeks so feels a bit early to be considering all this but I like to be prepared 🙃 xx

MargotBamborough · 20/10/2023 17:35

I had a great VBAC but my C-section was straightforward.

If there had been any additional risk factors other than simply having had a previous C-section I'd have chosen an ELCS.

MrsAnneBlythe · 20/10/2023 21:41

I had a similar situation after an emergency c-section with my first baby. Each midwife told me it was my decision, but we saw one consultant at around 36 weeks who said if it was his wife in the situation, he would absolutely advise the elective caesarean. He considered it the safest option so that's what I chose, and I am still so pleased I did. An elective is a totally different experience to an EMCS.

Wishing you luck with your decision, and congratulations on your pregnancy.

Original poster
StudentHH · 23/10/2023 17:30

ellybelly123 · 20/10/2023 14:59

Thanks so much for replying ☺️ that's really interesting! Like you, I have googled this a LOT and can't find anything relevant (it all seems to talk about actual uterine ruptures, which isn't what happened!)

If I'm told the same as you (which I strongly suspect I will be!) then I think I'll do the same and follow the advice for a c section. As much as I'm sad at the prospect of never experiencing a vaginal birth, if it's going against the advice then I imagine I'd be filled with anxiety so much that it's not worth it anyway.

I think deep down I was hoping that my surgeon was somehow super strict and was speaking out of turn, but sounds like not the case.

My husband will be pleased anyway, every time I mention a VBAC I can see his face fill with fear haha. How long have you got to make a final decision? I'm only 9 weeks so feels a bit early to be considering all this but I like to be prepared 🙃 xx

Yes I found exactly the same! Everything on google referred to uterine ruptures which was so frustrating!!!
it’s hard, as I’d like someone to actually take the decision out of my hands haha. I have also read about women wanting VBACs but needing extra checks and screenings which haven’t been offered to me- so I’m going to bring it up and see what’s said! X

OP posts:
New posts on this thread. Refresh page