CSection after previous tear...

[mamablondie2]

Hi

Just wanted some opinions on this as I have been told it’s up to me, but that I would have support if I choose a CSection. Tbh I’d have preferred to have just been told I need it and that be that, as I now have to make a choice and I am just not sure what to do for the best.

What would/did you do? What would influence your decision?

My overriding preference is for a calm and controlled birth so would either be an epidural vaginal or Csection, I’m not bothered about how ‘natural’ it is etc.

Third degree tear after first pregnancy so opted for c section.

Very calm procedure and i was up an about in days.

Would highly rather but do exactly what makes you feel comfortable rather than doing whatever anyone else tells you to

@happilybemused tbh I think I’m just looking for the nudge I need to just have the section. I know I would regret it if I went for a vaginal and it was traumatic/resulted in lasting damage. Completely take on board about it being major surgery but I’d rather a six week recovery than years of potential aftermath I guess ... I can’t really justify a vaginal I think that’s my issue but it’s always presented as the ‘right’ way. I really appreciate all the responses.

Fwiw I had what they called technically 2nd degree year with my first but apparently as bad as it can get. I do struggle with incontinence, but it's not got any worse as a result of two more natural births. I still got a 2nd degree year with both the others, but nowhere near as bad (i.e. midwife could repair). I absolutely loved my other two births, but I might pay for it later I guess. Need to get back to the physio one day!

I had a 3rd degree tear and PPH with my first. Recovery was awful - really long and difficult. Had an ELCS 7 months ago with my second and it was so much better! Straightforward, calm and positive. I was home the next day. Recovery was far easier- I was up and about the next day and didn't need any painkillers at all after day 10. DH took 3 weeks off and that was fine - after that I was able to cope with newborn and toddler with no problems. I'm really pleased I went for the c section and would do so again.

@mamablondie2 if you are looking for a push for an elective then I'd definitely recommend it.

It was very straightforward and I recovered far more quickly than I did after a third degree tear. I was driving after 2 weeks (GP signed off)

It was relaxing because there was small talk whilst they did the local anaesthetic and talked me through it all.

Very different experience to my out of control vaginal birth ( my midwife ran out in tears after realising that I was off for an operation and a blood transfusion)

Even writing about it makes me want to cry.

I didn't want you to feel I was forcing you either way as I really had to battle for an elective - this was 14 years ago mind you.

@mamablondie2 I had a long labour which ended in a second degree tear, episiotomy and forceps. My episiotomy failed (missed despite numerous returns to GP and midwife) and ended up having surgery 7 months later (fentons procedure).

I am a physio and work with an excellent women’s health physio who echoed what another poster mentioned about most people being less likely to experience a tear second time around. It does depend on an individual basis but other than being assessed by a consultant you would be hard pressed to find a women’s health physio who can currently do a vaginal and pelvic floor examination.

I will be going for a natural labour again this time as it just feels like the right decision for me, and the thought of a section and complications from that is worse for me than another vaginal delivery.

I think all you need to hear is... it’s ok to have a c section. Even if it’s your choice. It’s your body, your baby and your emotions you need to base your decision on. Best of luck.

I had extensive 2nd tears with dd1, I had an ELCS with dd2 because she was breech and the whole experience was much more pleasant. The initial couple of days were more painful and I was more restricted in what I could do but I would say by 10-14 days I could do most everyday things (shower/dress/pick up baby) and each day was a noticeable improvement compared to healing from tears. I also got a lot more sympathy and encouragement to rest after the section, I felt there was less pressure to be 'up and about' but that might have just been in my head!