If I've torn on both "sides" with the first two births, is the 3rd birth more likely to result in a tear down the middle?

[SobranieCocktail]

DD's birth - episiotomy which led to 2nd degree tear diagonally on left side

DS's birth - very fast and uncontrolled birth which resulted in 2nd degree tear diagonally on the right.

Do you think this means that the two er..."optimal" tearing zones will have scar tissue and that the 3rd birth is more likely to tear straight towards my arse?

bump

You could seek advice from a suitable HCP. I suffered a 3rd degree tear with DD and will be asking the consultant about risks of tearing in future - hopefully before I get pg with dc2!

I could never go through this again (pain ongoing after 7 weeks, 6 months not uncommon I am told! Eeek!)

How much scarring do you have? I tore the same side as a previous episiotomy (amoungst other places)

Well, I don't have any discernible scarring...although I haven't examined the area in detail. I certainly can't feel any scarring. I'll ask the MW next time.

I tore badly first birth (in 3 different directions) - second birth tore along one of those former tears only. I did do perineal massage to try to stretch out the area abit.

Mm..I'm definitely going to try perineal massage. I was going to do it last time, but just couldn't be bothered.

poor you - I went upwards and downwards with ds1 (the upwards was severe and so painful to stitch!). Then nothing with ds2 who was a much bigger baby and rapid delivery - I have my fingers crossed for you that you will be 3rd time lucky and have no tears.

You shouldn't tear with your third baby - make sure you tell the midwife to help you to control the delivery of the head.