Third Degree Tear - Please reassure me that I'm going to be ok :(

[NurseSunshine]

Not sure if this is the right place but didn't want to post in childbirth and scare people!

My lovely baby was born a week ago by forceps. She was 10lb 5oz and her shoulder got stuck so it was all quite physically traumatic and I got a 3rd degree tear. I've since been having problems identifying when my bladder is full and also with holding in urine. I'm having to wear tena lady pads :( I've seen the physio and am doing the excercises she recommended. I know it's early days but I'm only 23 and am just terrified I'm going to be incontinent for the rest of my life.

Anyone had a similar tear and recovered fully?

Hello NurseSunshine - congrats on your new baby :)

I've not had direct experience but I do know that there is a support thread somewhere for women with tears etc. Give me a sec and I'll have a hunt around for you..

here - they are all really lovely and gave me great advice after I had DS.

Thanks Spout, I'll go and have a read

just to say that I suffered terribly with incontinence after giving birth to DS .
Pads etc ,when DS little and couldn't sleep and I'd get into bed with him he'd say "you smell funny "
Anyway ,long story short this
www.womenshealthsolutions.co.uk/bgdisplay.jhtml?itemname=tvt_about&source=google was the answer - day patient ,no problems since .

Thanks ginger, glad you're all sorted now :)

Congratulations on your baby! I had a third degree tear after the birth of my third baby (he was big and came out very quickly so my skin had no time to stretch over him) and tore all the way through (ouch!) After the birth they were worried that I could end up doubly incontinent and sent me to theatre to be stitched up under a spinal block. However I have made a complete recovery, with no further treatment needed, other than pelvic floor exercises. Fingers crossed that it will be the same for you!

Thanks moajab, that's really reassuring glad you're ok now