How bad are tears? Be honest

[flossie47]

I'm 24 weeks pregnant and starting to think about labour. I'm planning a VBAC after previously having an emergency section with my ds 8 years ago.

I'm scared of vaginal birth as it's not something I experienced and mostly I'm scared of tearing or having to have an episiotomy. The thought alone makes me cringe and although people say that vaginal birth is much easier to heal from than a c section, I can't help but think that stitches down there must be really bloody painful and tough to heal from too!

So give it to me straight...how bad can tearing be and how likely is it to happen? Is there anything you can do to try and prevent it?

For me it was horrendous. Not so juch during or repair but recovery afterwards. Unable to find a comfortable position that didn't put pressure on stitches. Stinging like a bitch when peeing. Just made me feel awful.

I'm having a section this time round because childbirt x2 has left me with some issues.

Apparently perianal massage is meant to help prevent tearing.

I had an episiotomy with my first and whilst it was painful to be seen back up, I healed really well and quickly and had no pain from it after the first day or so.

I have had two third degree tears.
First one massive overdue baby, forceps delivery, he was facing wrong direction, shoulder dystocia basically all the risk factors for a tear. Also had episiotomy. Repair done in labour ward under epidural top up.
Second time induced to keep baby at manageable size. Induction worked too well. He came out all in one go (The other risk factor for a tear) so off to theatre for me.
The first poo is a terrifying prospect tbh. But it was fine. Physio has helped and no incontinence.
Final baby due in a couple months and I don’t know what to do. I have to consider my future health and I really don’t want to be left incontinent. However, a C-section means no driving so once husband goes back to work I have a couple weeks of how to get eldest to school plus I will have a 15 month old who will need me to pick him up multiple times a day.
Best of luck OP with what you decide.

Another victim of the 'you might also like' rubbish update

ZOMBIE THREAD-OP WOULD HAVE HAD HER BABY BY NOW

Hope it all went well OP and you and your 6/7 month old are doing well.

I only had a second degree tear with my first. Didn't even know I'd torn. Tbh even after they told me I'd torn I don't remember it hurting. It was stitched up under local and gas + air. Felt tugging, but no pain. Afterwards, it stung while peeing for a bit, but pouring warm water over the area while going helped tremendously. The first poo was unpleasant (hadn't been in 4+ days including the birth by that point), but gritting my teeth and swearing under my breath putting my feet on a step helped ease it out. It was fine after that initial one.

Op here, several name changes later!

I ended up having an elective section due to other complications of pregnancy. So the decision was made for me in the end.

I recovered well-ish but my wound did get infected and I had to have a course of antibiotics to clear it up. I also found that it took a lot longer to recover from this section and the area does feel tighter and more sensitive than before. Probably because they had to go through scar tissue. I won't be having any more babies but if I did it would be another section according to consultant and that alone puts me off as I suspect each section becomes harder to recover from.

Nearly 7 month old baby girl is doing well though and that's all that matter :-)

I had a second degree tear. Already had epidural so didn't feel it happen or being stitched up. Once the painkillers wore off I wasn't aware of any obvious pain from the tear. Even as it was healing the worst it got was a bit itchy as it did its thing and the stitches came out. First bowel movement after birth did have me feeling like I was going to pop all the stitches out though 😱

Aaaaand I should have read the thread 🤣 congratulations on your DD OP!