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Original poster

Episiotomy first time round, more likely to tear second time round?

27 replies

AlmostAlwyn · 28/02/2020 18:05

I had an episiotomy with my first birth, which I'm not entirely convinced was necessary now. I was ambiguous about it but they asked if I wanted "a small cut, or a biiiiiiig tear?", which I don't think was a very balanced way of putting it. I wasn't sure, but agreed under pressure. I didn't really experience crowning/birthing the head as shortly after the episiotomy my son came out all at once.

It healed no problem, no further issues, etc.

But does this mean I'm more likely to tear in that place in my second birth? I would say no to an offered episiotomy this time round, but has the previous cut weakened the tissue somehow? I'm currently doing the Positive Birth Company's digital pack and am looking forward to breathing my baby out if possible! Smile

Did you have an episiotomy with a previous birth then no tearing in a subsequent birth? Tell me it's possible! Smile

OP posts:
Brokenbutgettingtherenow · 28/02/2020 18:15

I had episiotomy with my first baby, he was two weeks late and was 9.5lbs took me a couple of weeks to heal. Two years later had my second baby boy, massive head,got stuck and weighed 11 lbs but only a couple of little stitches... Wishing you all the very best :)

IceColdCat · 28/02/2020 18:18

I had an episiotomy with my first, but only a very small tear with my second. They were both the same weight (8lb 13oz).

Reginabambina · 28/02/2020 18:20

I had an episiotomy the first time round. I had tearing (not near the episiotomy) both times.

SittingAround1 · 28/02/2020 18:22

I had an episiotomy first time around due to cord around baby's neck.
Just a small graze second time around and much quicker.
Very quick recovery time second time around.

NutellaFitzgerald · 28/02/2020 18:29

i had an episiotomy for first and tore for the next two babies. in all honesty, tearing wasnt a big deal either. a few stitches after the third stage but healing was all fine.

not saying this is you but som people think of episiotomy or tearing as some sign of failure or a 'less good birth' when its just one of the many ways in which birth is not zero impact on a woman's body. and, on balance, one of the lesser problems to have (speaking as someone with more moderate birth injuries, tears being the least of them).

i wish you a smooth and easy second birth. second ons re u

NutellaFitzgerald · 28/02/2020 18:29

usually much easier.

Snozzlemaid · 28/02/2020 18:35

Episiotomy and tear first time, only a small graze for my second.

NameChange30 · 28/02/2020 18:58

I had an episiotomy first time. Pregnant with DC2 so I'll see what happens. My gynae advised me that it is likely to be different second time around as the skin is more elastic and second/subsequent births are usually easier.

ScrummyDiva2 · 28/02/2020 18:59

I had an episiotomy first time, ( healed well, no problems with it) and did not tear or have any issues second time- and that baby was 9lb 13!

alltimejo · 28/02/2020 19:10

I had an episiotomy the first time as my baby was distressed. I had to have another this time as the excessive scar tissue prevented the head from being born.

Seeline · 28/02/2020 19:14

I had one first time, and then that tore.

Nothing the second time apart from slight grazing.

cptartapp · 28/02/2020 19:22

I had an episiotomy and a second degree tear first time.
Second degree tear second time, but much faster labour.

Original poster
AlmostAlwyn · 28/02/2020 20:00

Sounds like it doesn't necessarily mean a repeat of the first time, or a tear in the episiotomy site, which is good news!

I guess things could be a bit more elastic this time, which might help. My last labour wasn't particularly long, no lengthy pushing stage and my son was 7 lb 9 so I guess quite average.

I'll still have my fingers crossed for a smooth ride this time round though!

OP posts:
mimimonster123 · 28/02/2020 20:03

Episiotomy first time which literally took months to heal etc (was a really awful time for me)
Second birth, only small grazes which actually blew my mind
Healed in about two weeks

I will say tho, second labour hurt more as I felt every bit and felt the crowning whereas first labour it the cut and he was sucked out so was different but worth it for the better recovery

Good luck!!!!!

Squirrelpeanutbutter · 28/02/2020 20:03

I had an episiotomy first time, then had two even bigger subsequent babies without needing one.

Original poster
AlmostAlwyn · 29/02/2020 10:35

@mimimonster123 that sounds so tough! I hope everything is OK now! Your second birth sounds much better, despite the increased feeling/pain Smile

These are all really positive stories though and make me feel more confident I can do it!

Does anyone feel their episiotomy was unnecessary?

OP posts:
NameChange30 · 29/02/2020 11:34

Not me, no. I think they used to be done almost as a matter of routine but I believe that's less common now.

I was advised by my gynaecologist (who I'd seen for a previous condition) that sometimes an episiotomy is necessary - she explained that if a severe tear is likely (which the midwives can usually tell during the pushing stage of labour) it is preferable to do an episiotomy which is a smaller, controlled, "cleaner" cut that is easier to stitch up and will heal better. She told me it depends on physiology and in my case I was likely to need one for my first birth but not necessarily my second. She was right about the first birth, we'll see about the second!

flissity · 29/02/2020 11:46

Episiotomy and forceps with first.

3yrs later, tear with second (not near the episiotomy site) But the healing for the 2nd was massively quicker and easier than the epis. With the first.

Honestly my 2nds birth was so completely different to first (in a good way) :)

EstebanTheMagnificent · 29/02/2020 16:49

I guess things could be a bit more elastic this time, which might help.

It depends if you have much scarring. I have a lot of scar tissue due to a very complex recovery from my episiotomy with DC1 (infection, stitches fell out, open wound left to heal on its own for months etc). Scar tissue does not stretch like normal tissue. Consequently I requested, and was granted, an ELCS for DC2.

Vgtasd · 29/02/2020 16:54

Yes I had an episiotomy with my first and none with my second

Original poster
AlmostAlwyn · 29/02/2020 18:31

It depends if you have much scarring

I don't think so, but the next time I see my gynaecologist (I'm not in the UK so antenatal care is a bit different) I'd like to ask! It healed normally without any issues as far as I know! Doesn't sound like the same for you Sad

OP posts:
EstebanTheMagnificent · 29/02/2020 18:41

Thank you Smile You would likely know about it if you had a lot of scar tissue. It’s bumpy and feels very different to normal perineal tissue.

CupCupGoose · 29/02/2020 18:43

DC1 8lb10oz episiotomy

DC2 9lb7oz pushing stage less than 2 mins, I felt like he fell out, tiny tear that I didn't even feel and didn't need any stitches.

DC3 8lb11oz shoulder dystocia, no tears or stitches. Born yesterday actually 😊

Try not to worry. Easier said than done I know!

Original poster
AlmostAlwyn · 29/02/2020 21:07

@CupCupGoose congratulations! Flowers

OP posts:
AmICrazyorWhat2 · 29/02/2020 21:11

I had a third-degree tear first time around, but it healed well. Second time, my ob/gyn did two quick stitches and it was all over.

I didn't ask, but I'm guessing that I didn't tear in the same place. I think it was more elastic after my first (nearly 10lbs). Grin

Much quicker recovery second time around as well. Good luck!

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