Tearing in second birth vs first?

[MyBigFatGreekSalad]

Aware this is a very personal question but it's causing me to worry a lot now my due date is approaching!

If you've had more than one vaginal birth did you tear worse or less second time around?

I was pretty lucky with my first and only had a 2nd degree tear which healed pretty fast and didn't cause too much pain but I'm starting to worry that because that "area" is already comprised it will tear worse this time around if that makes sense?

Less second time. I was particularly worried about my episiotomy scar from DC1 as it had taken a long time to heal, but that was fine too.

Episiotomy (horrendous) with first, graze/tiny tear with second.

Second degree tear with my first, smaller baby. I was on my back with legs in stirrups (which was a position I absolutely did not want to be in). No tear with my second, just a graze, bigger baby. Was up on my knees for pushing and delivery that time which I'm not sure helped but it definitely felt less of a struggle! Good luck ❤️

I had horrific tearing with my first (60+ stitches) as baby poorly positioned and a teeny, teeny tear with the 2nd - 1 single stitch.

About the same. But I was told you’re less likely to tear the second time around and if you do it is likely to be in the same place.

2nd degree tear both times

Have you looked into perineal massage? My son came out with his hand by his head and I only had 3 stitches inside apparently from where she had to move his hand.

My midwife was shocked I didn't tear and said the perineal massage probably helped, definitely worth looking into!

Really good idea first time round - I think leas evidence for it making a difference second time, but it can't hurt to try!

Second degree tear with DD1. Never caused me any bother though, with DD2 absolutely nothing, not even a graze

First - “graze”
Second and third - no tears or grazes

I’ve never had stitches. Second was biggest baby and back to back with hand on head. First was fastest birth.

3rd degree with DC1, 2nd degree with DC2. I was able to stop pushing once DC2's head was out which helped, I think. As opposed to with DC1 who I heaved out all at once after hours of pushing. I was thrilled when the OB told me I had a 2nd degree tear, compared to what I had with my first labour. She thought I was insane. It's all relative! Best wishes for your labour OP.