Tearing in subsequent pregnancy

[Vicky1110]

Hello, sorry if this is the wrong topic.

I am just wondering if you had a tear in your first pregnancy (I know it's more likely that you'll tear in your second) but is it likely the tear with be in the same place? And if it is will it be worse? Tia.

Following with interest!

I had a 3a tear in my first pregnancy and have been advised to consider a C-section this time. I was told it’s still low risk I’ll tear again but if I do it could be much worse this time as the tissue is already thinner.

I had a 3b tear 18 Months ago and am 21 weeks pregnant now. Consultant said to consider C-Section but said risks of 2nd tear are only a tiny bit higher than it was 1st time around (but with worse consequences if it did happen). She did say thought that if there were any ongoing symptoms then they would strongly recommend C-Section. My initial plan was to try natural vaginal (was induced last time, don't want that again) but I think I'm now leaning towards a C-Section as my birth was so traumatic last time.

@popshell If you don't mind me asking, what are the worse consequences if you were to tear again?

I had a 2nd degree year first time and same for second baby

Yes two second degree tears. Healed well thankfully.

@Vicky1110 The consultant said worse case for a 3b tear is ongoing faecal incontinence. I don't know how common it is to be that bad though. With mine I initially had issues with urgency but that has improved since the birth and is almost (I'd say 95%) back to normal again now. If I had longer between babies I'm confident I would have been 100% back to normal by the 2nd. My midwife did say that everything tends to stretch better 2nd time around so it may be that it would be completely fine. I'm still sure my induction set things off too quickly for me so I had forceps and increased risk of a tear anyway.