Pregnant with #2 & trying to decide on a ELCS after 3rd degree tear with DS1

[northernerinthesouth1]

Hi all,

I'm currently in the 3rd trimester with baby #2 and I've been offered (but not recommended) an ELCS rather than a vaginal birth as I had a 3B tear with baby #1.

My first baby was born at home & came out in one push (possibly what is likely caused the tear) I've healed up well since although my pelvic floor is considerably weaker, especially noticeable in this pregnancy with stress incontinence.

I'm really struggling to decide on what birth option to go with. I'm quite squeamish and the thought of recovering from a c-section with a newborn and toddler makes me feel quite panicked. But then I want to avoid tearing as much as possible.

I'm just at a loss as for every pro I can find a con for both an ELCS and a vaginal birth.

Has anyone experienced this or have any advice? I'd love to hear from you if you've had another vaginal birth after a 3rd/4th degree tear or if you've had an ELCS and how that compared to a tear repair in terms of recovery.

Thanks x

I had a 3rd degree tear and episiotomy and minor pph with my first 20yrs ago. I'm sorry I don't know what grading it was now.

When I was pregnant with my 2nd 9yrs later, I was referred to a consultant who said I had a less than 5% chance of tearing badly again. I don't know why but C section was neither offered nor recommended and I have only realised reading MN in recent years that people are offered this.

I had DC2(2009), 3 (2011) and 4 (2019) vaginally. I've had 2nd degree tears with each but have healed quickly and without any pain or issues each time.

I'm expecting DC5 in June and I plan to have her vaginally unless recommended otherwise. It's another small gap and with DC2&3 (17m gap) i was up and about straightaway.

Generally I'm happy that I had vaginal births, my pelvic floor is pretty crap tbh and I had physio between DC3 and 4. But was able to improve it with exercise.

I also have a rectocele, however, that was I believe caused by my first birth.

All my babies have been large (8,11-9,10lb) I'm overweight and these are also contributory factors with pelvic floor I think. I don't know really but I think having 5 large babies probably any issues I would have either way.