2 3rd degree tears and trying for another!!

[user1493808140]

I wonder if any other ladies have a similar experience that I could get some advice from....
I have had 3 babes, my first I had a third degree tear, my second was sadly stillborn, and my rainbow also left me with a third degree tear all within the last 4 years. We are now trying again but I wondered what the chances are of it happening again and if anyone has experienced the same????

Wow what a 4 years! I'm sorry for your loss

I'm pregnant with my second, 3C tear with my son exactly 2 years ago. I've been advised not to have another vaginal birth so will be having a section :) Really don't want to risk any further long-term damage - had a year of physio after DS.

Good luck!

Btw I think your chances of tearing again after having a previous tear actually go DOWN, but if you've already had 2 I definitely woudn't be risking it personally! My recovery wasn't even that bad but if I could avoid it I would.

I had a 3rd degree tear with my first but didn't get anything with my second. I had a water birth as I heard that greatly reduces your chances of tearing, so I'm not sure if that was why I got away with it or if I got lucky.

I'm so sorry for your loss

Do you know why they were caused? I had a 3rd degree tear with my first and had a fear of the same happening again but I had forceps which obviously contributed towards the tear. With my 2nd the birth went smoothly and I got away with a 1st degree tear which was easy peasy compared to the first time around! I did see a consultant at 34 weeks to discuss it and they talk about the chances of it happening again and whether a csection may be the better option. I'm not sure if that would just be offered to you as I imagine a 3rd time could really damage the tissue/muscles.
Good luck x

My first was big so I tore, the third they gave me the option of a section but because she was smaller they decided to induce my early (they didn't want me to go full term because of the lady one) but I freaked out during labour (its was only 11 months since my baby died) and I just wanted her out and safe so I pushed when I didn't have a contraction (oops) hence the next tear. I have never had problems from them and I feel strong but obviously don't want long term problems. I just don't know if it's possible to go natural again, the idea of being cut open scares the life out of me!

Watching with interest - I've had 2 third degree tears too and would love to try for a third DC but this does scare me. I've been really lucky I think, as I've had no side effects, but like you the thought of a Caesarean makes me really nervous.

I do remember the consultants/Physios telling me that now (as opposed to 10/20 years ago) they are more likely to diagnose a third degree tear than years ago because many women were developing problems later on because they'd not had their third degree years managed properly, or had t even had them diagnosed as third degree tears. It made me feel a bit better, but then I tore with DC2 so bit gutted. They did say it was only a slight third degree tear but I'm scared that I'll be all sorts of incontinent if I go for another.

There doesn't seem to be much research on women having 2 third degree tears either. Do you feel any more decided?

It does sound risky but you never know it could all be fine and you might not tear again. Personally I would assume a c section so as not to risk incontinence problems if it happens again. I know it's not the same but I had a little 1st degree tear with my first and didn't tear with my second which really surprised me as I just assumed I would. So sorry for your loss by the way! x