Does scar tissue make second birth worse?

[chubbyhotchoc]

If you have vagina scar tissue from previous labours, did you find delivery more painful with subsequent labours? I have quite a lot of scar tissue from my first so just wondering if it's going to make things harder as I've read scar tissue doesn't stretch as easy

It really depends on where your scar tissue is but as a general rule it does not stretch like normal perineal tissue, so there you might be quite likely to tear or need an episiotomy again. There are things that you can do including massage of the area to break down adhesions but extensive scar tissue on the perineum was the main reason why I requested (and was granted) an elective caesarean for my second birth.

I had an episiotomy the first time and a small tear the second time. But epidural to the max both times.

@PuntoEBasta it's from the inside right vaginal wall into my leg. I had a very large episiotomy which then get infected and I lost some tissue.

Would you consider an elective section OP? It sounds like you'd have very good grounds. I've only ever had an EMCS but my experience was still very positive

I had a big episiotomy first time and ended up with a second degree tear with no2 as he came out with 1 contraction. It healed so quickly and did not hurt anywhere near as much as the episiotomy did. That was my worry too but tell the midwives your concerns and they always try to deliver the baby slowly for this reason

@rottiemum88 I don't think I'd get chance even if I wanted one. My first was very fast and a week early. Plus feel funny about having a section when I know my body was so efficient the first time. I don't know why I had the episiotomy because I hadn't even started pushing.

That sounds larger and more complex than mine, OP. I also had an infection but the episiotomy was not as large as you describe. Did you have surgery? I think you need to speak to your midwife about the implications. FWIW the recovery from my ELCS was significantly quicker and easier than the recovery from my injuries with DC1.

@PuntoEBasta no surgery. I didn't know I had an infection as my daughter was ill and I was a bit distracted so most of the tissue had died by the time it was spotted. They just removed some of the tissue in clinic and gave me antibiotics. I was under the perineal trauma clinic for a few months. They did say I might have problems having intercourse but it's been fine tbh so I'm hoping it's not as bad as all that.

Ouch op that sounds nasty! Are you in the UK? I'm surprised you had an episiotomy before pushing!

I had a diagonal episiotomy after 2 hours of pushing, second time I had a water birth and a second degree tear in my perineum and tore a bit along my original scar.

The tear healed quicker and a lot less painfully than the episiotomy though!

@Mammyloveswine there was a bit of panic because I'd only just arrived at the hospital, I was 10 cm and the baby was distressed. I think she just did it to get her out quick. They thought afterwards that it might have got infected because the baby had a bowel movement during birth. God knows what's going to happen this time. I am a bit worried tbh.

Yes it was in the UK

I would really recommend requesting your notes from your first birth and asking for a debrief to help you to understand what happened and why, and the implications for your second birth.

Bless you @chubbyhotchoc !

Have you discussed your concerns with your midwife? You have choices. Ask for facts and then push for a section if you think it's appropriate. You have the choice.

I had a 2nd degree tear with my first and tore down the same scar line, though not as far, 2nd time.

I am supposed to be consultant led but haven't had an appointment yet. I will ask about it though.

Oh man I hadn't even thought about it up until now I could be ripping a new hole again 😂 i remember the tear/cut feeling like a snapped rubber band x