Bowel incontinence poss TMI

[TKKW]

Hi,
very delicate subject for me. Had first midwife appointment for DC2 today. MIdwife started to go through history etc and asked about bowel/ bladder. I told midwife that 1-2 times in the first couple weeks after DC1 was born, I had involuntary faecal movement. I said that now, I get a slightly shorter warning time about poos but producing the poo is normal.

The midwife said she wanted to refer me to a consultant on this issue as even if it was just the 1 involuntary poo, that was not normal.

Does anyone have any experience of this? What will the consultant do?

What sort of delivery, injuries (if any) and recovery did you have with DC1?

I had a 4th degree tear with my DS and have had occasional bowel incontinence. During my recovery I saw a number of consultants. They all did an examination of the area to see how good/bad I was recovering. They haven't actually been able to do anything to help as its been so occasional - 4 or 5 accidents in almost 2 years.

A physio referral might be really helpful for you as I had months of physio to make sure I was doing my pelvic floor exercises correctly and effectively.

I'm now 23 weeks pregnant with DC2 and under consultant lead care. They have explained (and its what I expected) that during the course of the pregnancy my incontinence and prolapse but thats a whole different thread may get worse with the extra weight of the baby putting pressure on the area.

The consultant I've seen during pregnancy has not needed to do an examination and put it in my notes immediately that I will be having an ELCS (normal after having a 4th degree tear). I don't think your consultant will do much, and may just sign you back to midwife care but suggest you ask for a referral after the birth if there is anything that requires further investigation then.

Hiya I'm in similar position. Had a third degree tear after DC1 and currently 33 weeks pregnant with DC2. Had some incontinence issues after last delivery and also in early pregnancy. Was referred to consultant to discuss further and was offered ELCS option if I wish to take it. Saw them at 25 weeks and going back at 35 weeks with my decision. I still haven't decided what to do.

Ladies, thanks so much for telling me about yours. I had an episiotomy with DD and 2nd degree. think i was told about 8 stitches but i was delirious at the time. i def. remember midwife doing inner and outer layer stitches.

almost crying typing that when i think about how sore the stitches were going in but even more when i think about the pain you both endured. you must be very brave and strong ladies indeed.

thats what i think cravingcake as i kinda though 1 leak and a further tiny leak was normal after the stress of a delivery on the body.

what will the consultant do, actual examination?

Mondayschild, would it be unfair to ask what do you think you will decide on?

i am terrified of a natural birth but will do obviously it if no other choice.

meant vaginal birth- all births are natural!!!

Hi TKKW my current thinking is that I will 'go natural' up to about 40 weeks but have a c section booked for between 40-41 weeks. Therefore hopefully the baby won't be too big if he/she arrives up to 40 weeks plus I really want to avoid being induced at a later date (as I understand this is more likely to lead to interventions or poss an EMCS). I spoke to the midwife who said this should be a fine birth plan but I need to discuss with the consultant. So I'm leaving it a bit up to nature really but with a c section as 'plan B' rather than being induced. Hope this helps!

Sorry just to explain avoid interventions as then more likely to tear and if I'm going to end up with an EMCS I may as well have a ELCS!
Sorry I should have said vaginal birth too as opposed to 'natural'.
Your consultant will probably look through your past maternity and delivery notes with you and talk to you about your previous and any current issues then possibly offer a C Section as an option for you to consider.

From my experience they dont like to do any unnecessary examinations during pregnancy (smear tests are normally put on hold until after birth as well) as there isnt anything they can do surgery-wise. Therefore i wouldnt expect the consutant to have to do an examination unless you really want them to. They will probably just ask you questions about it and possibly wonder why you have been referred if this is the only thing.

I would also say that common sense would suggest that trauma (be that a tear or cut) to the area, combined with new mum hormones, painkillers, swelling, stitches etc then the chance of a small accident once wouldnt be unusual, not normal but not unusual in the first few days following birth.

Thanks both. Yes i think the same cravingcake but I will go as that is what the midwife would like me to do.

Thanks again. Feel like I have a better idea of what the consultant appoint will be like.