If you tore the first time, did you the 2nd?

[mama2moo]

Dc2 is due next month and I had a 2nd degree tear with dd that was stitched and healed ok.

Just wondering if I am likely to tear again and curious to hear what other people had. Thanks.

DS1 - 2nd degree
DS2 - Minor graze (over 10 lbs)
DS3 - 1st degree (panicked a bit)
DD1 - Won't know till April.

Tore quite badly with 1 and 2 but in different direction.

1st time I tore and ruptured blood vessels pushing for 4 hours.
2nd time I tore towards urethra and needed a catheter.

Was so worried about tearing a third time I spoke to consultant and they agreed to perform an episotomy at the first possible opportunity.

I had one push with dc3 and the mw said on my next push she was going to perform the episiotomy- she did and the head came out and I didn't even feel it and one more push and dd2 was out! Only needed a few stitches and it was much less sore when healing. It was fab- wished they had done that for the other 2!!

First - second degree tear with a tonne of stitches as she had her hand up by her face as she came out

Second - nothing and she was 3lbs heavier than her sister

Third - second degree tear but clean tear no stitches

Fourth due in May am hoping a good cough and it falls out

DS ? 1st degree tear, but quite a lot of stitches (seemed like it anyway, they were fiddling about down there for ages!). Some discomfort in days afterwards, wouldn't call it pain, just a feeling of extreme pressure.

DD ? 2nd degree tear, was given the option of stitching or not, opted not to, honestly felt no pain from then on and I felt completely healed in about 3 weeks IIRC. (The answer for me? ARNICA!!!!!!!!! Will be popping it like sweeties again before & after birth of DC3 in May!)

Two things -

1)I did perineal massage, and still tore badly.

2)I had an episiotomy both times and still tore.