C section after failed repair of 3b tear?

[mumtoelw]

Hi all,

First ever post to mumsnet. I had my son 17 months ago and am currently 19 weeks preggo with my second. With my first I had a relatively quick birth (7 hrs start to finish) which resulted in him being born back to back, failed first forceps delivery (worked on the second go) then a really nasty episiotomy and what was thought to be a 3a tear.

After going back for my ultrasound to see how my tear had healed it was found that the surgeon didn't stitch my tear up properly, and that it was actually a 3b. I've now been left with a gap in my anal muscle. I've got an upcoming meeting with the consultant to discuss birth no.2 and I'm just wondering if anyone else has been through this and have any advice / can tell me what they were told? Will I be told I have to have a c section, etc?

Also has anyone gone down the medical negligence route for something similar? I know mistakes happen and I have nothing but respect for the NHS (I have worked as a nurse, as has my Mum for 40 years and my sis) but just interested in others outcomes. My son was born on Boxing Day and I was in surgery over the staff change over period, so not sure if that had an effect on the care received? I know first hand from working in hospitals that bank holidays and weekend care can be different from weekday care.

Anyways, any advice would be greatly received! Thanks guys, trying to prepare as much as I possibly can for this consultant meeting.

I have also worked as a nurse.

I’m very pro NHS, despite my nursing career being with the Army.

My honest opinion is that, had you had NO medical intervention in your delivery, you would probably have had a much more tragic outcome. Clinical negligence trials are long, very exposed and I would be very surprised if a good solicitor would pick this case up if you are still having consultant care. If you aren’t, I would ask for it. You may be offered further surgery to patch up your anal muscle.

Would you prefer compensation over a working rectum? I’d chase care first through your GP.

I had similar and had to have a repair op and have some continence issues. I had a c-section with dc2 which was absolutely the right thing, and if I were you I would push strongly for this. My feeling about compensation is that my dc1 was healthy, my ability to earn a living was not compromised - why would I want to take money away from the NHS?

I got a 3rd degree tear giving birth to dc1 and then an op to fix it. They did a good job but I do still have a few issues and I had been told that there was high risk of incontinence if I had a natural birth next time. I am definitely hoping for a C section as I do not want further more acute continence issues if I can avoid it.

Not quite the same but I did have a 3rd degree tear and other complications with DC1. I am now pregnant with DC2 and the previous tearing meant I was automatically referred to a consultant. The consultant was really nice and basically explained the risks of both a c section and vaginal birth, and said the choice was up to me, they'd support my decision. I will be opting for a c section personally. I don't think they can dictate how you give birth but they will discuss risks etc so that you make an informed decision. Good luck.