Tearing and second pregnancy

[Starrynights86]

I had quite a bad second degree tear with my first baby, they debated whether I needed to go to surgery to have fixed and I lost a bit of blood too. The first doctor did a terrible job of stitching it up so the consultant had to then do an episiotomy and undo the stitching and redo it all. However it seemed to have healed well and all back to normal.

However I am now 21 weeks and where I tore is really sore, it gets worse in the evenings but I can also really feel it when I go to the bathroom.

I have a midwife appointment to get it checked on Wednesday and I have to go and see the consultant at some point anyway to check in due to the blood loss. However I wondered if anyone who had had a bad tear first time round also found it tore again quite badly second time round? And if anyone who tore badly the first time, went down the c section route for number 2?

The sonographer said this baby has a normal sized head, my daughter had (and still has) a giant head.

You can always request a C-Section. However, in terms of medical advice, the consultants I know would only consider recommending one in this situation for a 3rd or 4th degree tear. Even then most of the time they don’t.

Thanks @teddybear45, having a csection hadn’t really crossed my mind until a friend mentioned it, just bizarre really that it has honestly felt fine for two years! And now is getting so sore.

It’s possibly the increased pressure / hormones, but definitely speak to your consultant to make sure it isn’t tearing again or if it’s something else.

I had a c section for my second pregnancy on my consultant's advice. I had a 3rd degree tear previously which had healed well.
I didn't have any pain or discomfort in respect of my tear scar during pregnancy at all. It was because of the risk of tearing again during birth that the c section was recommended.
I think you should get your tear scar checked to see what is causing it to be so sore. Perhaps your midwife can look and refer you to a consultant if needed.

I had a bad 3rd degree tear with my first and needed surgery afterward with alot of stitches my 2nd I also had a 2nd degree tear and my 3rd also a 2nd degree tear I'm currently 20 weeks with baby number 4 and so terrified of it happening again I spoke with my consultant and they said as I have healed fine each time I will again stitches are not a nice feeling tho are they also there will only be a 16 month age gap between my 3rd and 4th

I had a c section with my second after a 3rd degree tear an episiotomy I also lost over 2 ltrs of blood forceps delivery after a very long and painful induction I knew I didn't want to run risk of having any lifetime issues with bladder and bowel so thankfully the consultants agreed that I could have a planned c section second time round and it was best thing ever

Yes it was so sore when healing after the last birth, made worse by the fact last time I had an anal fissure too.

I think I will ask my midwife to refer me to the consultant earlier to get it checked and not get myself worked up about it all.

Hi op, I had a 3dt two years ago and it healed well (eventually!). I'm now pregnant with no 2 and have found the scar tissue aching. I think it must be increased blood flow, hormones and pressure. I mentioned it to my midwife and she didn't seem overly concerned although she has referred me back to physio. As far as the birth goes, I'm opting for a c-section this time. I spoke to a consultant who said as I tore and hemorrhaged last time, I'm at increased risk of that happening again so a c-section just feels more controlled (although really not looking forward to having surgery). I do know people who tore and went on to have a much better birth the second time with less or no tearing so it is possible. Good luck with whatever you choose!

I had a 3rd degree tear in my first pregnancy, repaired in theatre. Second pregnancy tiny tear no stitches required. Now in my 3rd pregnancy where I tore is a little sore but I think it's due to extra blood flow.

Saw the midwife and she is a bit concerned that I am feeling like this so early on in the pregnancy, so she is referring me to the hospital to get everything checked.