third degree tear

[shiv78]

I had a third degree tear after my second baby. Am now expecting my third and have been told by the consultant that a c-section is not necessary but am terrified that it will happen again but worse!!!

Has anyone given given birth naturally after third degree tear and been ok??

It depends on the reason for your third degree tear. I had one with my first and went on to have my second at home with a first degee tear. THere are lots of threads on here about birth after a third degree tear and lots of varying experiences. It alos depends a lot on how you were afterwards and how you healed. hth

I was in the same situation after my first baby and was also terrified. I have to admit that I insisted on a c-section, and the midwife commented she would do the same in my situation (which of course is likely to have differences to yours). The c-section went really well and I was only in hospital 2 nights (exactly the same amount of time as with DS1), although recovery was slower obviously. Hopefully you'll get lots of positive stories about giving birth naturally, but don't be afraid to put your foot down if you decide otherwise.

I had a 3rd degree tear with DS and am due in 4 weeks with DC2. I have opted to go for a natural birth (providing this breech baby turns!).

I have been told that I have healed very well and there is no reason not to go for a natural birth and that there is no greater risk of tearing than any woman who didn't tear before. I also don't have any lasting symptoms, which is a really good thing and if I did have lasting symptoms I would have gone for the section. At first I would have to get to the toilet fairly quickly for a poo, but never lost bowel control and wind was a bit of a problem, I couldn't always control it, but after 3 years I am completely fine and the hospital said if I hadn't healed so well they would recommend a section but as I did, then the choice is mine to make.

Pelvic floor exercises did help a lot, and I never remembered to do them as often as I should have, I know it did make a difference though in how I healed.

I had a third degree tear with DD1 and was told it was unlikely that it would happen again when pregnant with DD2. I had another third degree tear along the same scar with DD2.

I am now pregnant with DD3 and am having an ELCS.

I had an episiotomy at a different site to my 3rd degree tear, was absolutely fine and healed a lot faster than c-section would have! Was warned though that the epis can sometimes extend and cause another 3rd degree so don't know if I was just lucky...