3rd Degree Tear

[AddictedToDrPepper]

Currently pregnant with DC3 (22 weeks atm!) and found out earlier this week that when I had DC2 I also had a 3rd degree tear. I had a spinal block after delivering him to stitch me up but thats about all I could remember was off my face on cocodomal

Anyway, I'm pretty worried about it happening again, especially since I can't have an epidural, cocodomal or diamorphone (i accidentally slapped my midwife while off my face on that!)

What's my chances of tearing that badly again, and please please please tell me that I'm not going to feel it if I do!! I had two pretty traumatic births but it was numbed by the pain meds they gave me, I'm absolutely terrified this time around. Don't want to spend the rest of my pregnancy worrying about it

I had a third degree tear 1st time round and just minor tearing second time. I'm impressed that you only just found out - I was in agony for weeks after my first and was even told I'd have to have a c-section the next time. Was sent home with anti-biotics, painkillers and fibogel and told to stick to a high fibre diet. Also had several follow up appointments at hospital to check how everything was down there! Second time all fine - didn't have a c section in the end and birth was a LOT easier and just a couple of stitches afterwards. Will be having 3rd in November and honestly haven't even thought about the possibility of a third degree tear.

If I were you I'd go and speak to a consultant about it so they can review your notes and give you advice re this birth, which is what I did last time. But chances are all will be fine. Good luck!

Oh and by the way, I only had gas and air in both my births and I couldn't feel even the 3rd degree tear happening. I think it all mixes in the with pain of everything else if you know what I mean 😬

I know I was advised last time that there's no greater chance of having a nasty tear once you've had one.

I had a 3rd degree tear with DC1 and saw the consultant with DC2 for advice. She recommended no birth pool and 'perineal support' during pushing. Did both of these and ended up with just a second degree tear and no extensive repairs (had had the spinal block & surgery before).

Like the PP, I didn't really feel either tear, definitely not the second.

Do see a consultant and make sure your midwives know the plan.

I was in a lot of pain after, but I was also quite young at the time and lost a lot of blood. I had anti biotics, painkillers and some sort of liquid to soften my stools after, plus something to put in the bath (no idea what though, my memory doesn't stretch that far back!) No hospital follow ups but I was checked over by a doctor at 6 weeks to make sure the stitches were disolving. Nothing was mentioned about c-sections that I remember and my midwife currently has me on the green pathway for labour and delivery. Only reason I found out was because I'd mentioned having the spinal block and getting stitched up after DC2, I was living in a different area back then so they don't have any of my previous notes.

I've spoke to my midwife about it and she said there was a high chance that I could tear as badly again, but there was no way to say for definite. I may be considered for a section if my SPD gets any worse though, I've a weakened pelvic bone as it is so they're keeping a close eye on things. Not due to see my consultant again until he is back from holiday but will definitely make sure and ask him about it, thanks :)

I has a second tear with my first, and a borderline 3rd with my second delivery. I opted for a c section for my 3rd delivery as my consultant said there was a risk of double incontinence if I tore again. It was a tougher recovery, but I have no continence issues so I am happy I made the right decision.

Hi Addicted,

You do now have an increased risk of a severe tear again.
www.rcog.org.uk/en/news/bjog-release-new-study-examines-mode-of-delivery-following-a-perineal-tear-and-recurrence-rate-in-subsequent-pregnancies/

You're entitled to discussing your future delivery with an obstetrician. I'd recommend you ask your midwife to be referred so you can have that conversation.
Personally (even if you never had urine nor faecal incontinence or prolapse issues) I'd ask to be assessed by a woman's health physio as well.
There are threads discussing what to do for future deliveries after a severe tear on the Childbirth Talk.

Thanks Tchou that's quite helpful, I'll definitely do that. I've not suffered with incontinence unless you count while sneezing/coughing during this pregnancy (blooming nightmare!) but I'm still quite worried about what will happen during the delivery.

Will take a look at the threads and speak to my midwife at my next appointment, I know I can self refer to physio but I'm not sure if that's only for my SPD or not so I'll check that out too.

I had 3rd degree tear and in my subsequent labour had a small episiotomy to protect the existing scar tissue from tearing as second baby was over 10lb. This only needed a couple of stitches and healed really easily. Only needed gas and air and small local anaesthetic for the episiotomy. I have an anaesthetic allergy so can't have epidural either.

I don't feel any worse in terms of continence etc than after first labour.

I agree seeing a physio to check level of internal damage from previous labour would be good as this isnt always apparent.