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Original poster

Healing time c section vs 3rd degree tear

18 replies

DNAshelicase · 14/05/2022 18:13

Apologies for the TMI but looking for some advice. I have an anal tear that I’ve always had/cannot even remember happening in the first place. Never caused me any pain/bleeding/problems, just always known I’ve had it.

Im now 25 weeks pregnant and thinking about the birth. I have no strong feelings about how I birth my baby, my priority is that it’s safe for baby and I am able to heal as quickly as possible with hopefully few complications.

I think that because of the anal tear my chances of a nasty 3rd degree birth tear are much higher than average. I’m wondering whether to request a c-section because of this.

does anyone have any experience/knowledge of the healing time/future complications of a c section vs 3rd degree tear injury. I guess my question is ‘which injury would you rather have?’ For context this is my first baby, I’m 29 and had a healthy BMI/good level of fitness pre pregnancy with no pre-existing conditions.

Any help and advice would be gratefully received!

OP posts:
GinnyBee · 14/05/2022 18:37

I just had an ELCS on Tuesday because personally I would much rather deal with a c-section scar than bad tearing or forceps for example. It was a really positive experience. 🙂 Quick, calm and in control, I was well rested for little one’s arrival and have recovered really well so far. I had the section on Tuesday midday and was home 4pm Wednesday. Weds and Thursday moving around was slow and careful, but had a noticeable improvement already by Friday. I’m able to move pretty much normally now as long as I’m careful about any extreme positions like bending down too much or twisting. But I’m able to get down on the floor for nappy changes and put my own compression socks on etc. 😅 I’ve not had any real pain, I’m taking paracetamol and ibuprofen on schedule so the pain doesn’t have a chance to start.

BabyBorn · 14/05/2022 18:41

Hi, I can not answer your question unfortunately but I am in a similar situation to yourself. I am having my third child and developed a 3rd degree year with my last birth. I have had no problems with the tear and it healed well after delivery. I tend to have babies on the larger side. Would be interested to follow your post and see what you decide to do. You still have plenty of time. I saw my consultant yesterday and I told him I preferred a natural birth if possible. I hate the thought of a c section. I am having growth scans and have another in 3 weeks time. I am currently 33 weeks today. I have been looking into starting perineal massage to see it this could help. It is also said that if you are able to give birth on all fours or sitting up it can help prevent a tear. Also, your midwife should help you crown the baby out gently to also prevent tearing. X

Vsirbdo · 14/05/2022 18:42

I’d rather a c section than a 3rd degree tear; I’ve had 2 c sections and my recovery was quicker compared to a friend who had a 3rd degree tear and no ongoing issues

donchafeellikecrying · 14/05/2022 19:13

I've had 2 c sections - first ELCS and second emergency with twins. Second time recovery much quicker than my first. Up and about within hours, driving within 2 weeks

(Cautionary tale though......I have twins due to needing IVF. I needed IVF because adhesions and scar tissue from my first c section destroyed by tubes resulting in 2 ruptured ectopic pregnancies)

MyHusbandTheIdiot · 14/05/2022 19:15

OP, do you mean an anal fissure? If so I think it’s highly unlikely that there would be any increased likelihood whatsoever of a third degree tear….

Original poster
DNAshelicase · 14/05/2022 19:37

GinnyBee · 14/05/2022 18:37

I just had an ELCS on Tuesday because personally I would much rather deal with a c-section scar than bad tearing or forceps for example. It was a really positive experience. 🙂 Quick, calm and in control, I was well rested for little one’s arrival and have recovered really well so far. I had the section on Tuesday midday and was home 4pm Wednesday. Weds and Thursday moving around was slow and careful, but had a noticeable improvement already by Friday. I’m able to move pretty much normally now as long as I’m careful about any extreme positions like bending down too much or twisting. But I’m able to get down on the floor for nappy changes and put my own compression socks on etc. 😅 I’ve not had any real pain, I’m taking paracetamol and ibuprofen on schedule so the pain doesn’t have a chance to start.

Very helpful, thank you!

can I ask how much you had to fight for an elective C section? Obviously from my perspective I’m thinking only of myself, I wonder whether when I ask medical professionals they will understandably factor in things like cost/availability of c sections vs vaginal births and try to possibly put me off for those reasons, rather than giving me advice that is in my own best interests.

OP posts:
ILikeCrapTelly · 14/05/2022 19:39

I think that because of the anal tear my chances of a nasty 3rd degree birth tear are much higher than average

Has a medical professional told you this, or is it just something you think?

I had a 3rd degree tear with DC1, then a ELCS for DC2. Recovery from the CS was preferable to the tear, but recovery from a straight forward delivery (which you may well have if you've not been warned otherwise) would have been preferable over both 😂

Original poster
DNAshelicase · 14/05/2022 19:40

MyHusbandTheIdiot · 14/05/2022 19:15

OP, do you mean an anal fissure? If so I think it’s highly unlikely that there would be any increased likelihood whatsoever of a third degree tear….

Sadly no, I’m certain it’s a tear. I’m not a medical professional but I guess my concern is that if the area is already ‘compromised’ the tear is more likely to extend from the back to the front and cause a bad injury

OP posts:
Bonkerz · 14/05/2022 19:43

1st birth had terrible tear and took atleast 3 weeks before I could walk comfortably but then had to have re stitch done at 4 weeks post birth.

2nd birth was elective c section and was driving with GP and insurance blessing after just 14 days.

3rd birth c section heard even quicker and felt amazing after just 9 days.

NamechangeFML · 14/05/2022 19:43

I think you need to see your practice nurse, get your foof looked and ask your questions there.
anything on here will just be guesswork.

i can tell you my planned section was fine, recovery was fine. Small scar under pant line.
and i dont pee myself when i laugh or sneeze!

NamechangeFML · 14/05/2022 19:43

and its your right to ask fot a section. It's perfectly ok to say " i am shit scared of fucking up my foof and being in pain"

tothemoonandbackbuses · 14/05/2022 19:44

Could you just ask for an episiotomy?
I’ve had one cs and one VBAC with an episiotomy. They had to cut me because the skin wasn’t stretching or tearing and was stopping the baby exiting. If they had done it half an hour earlier I would have had a shorter labour. If I have another I will ask for an episiotomy.
It healed quicker than my cs, it was uncomfortable but so was the cs scar. I still have a bit of numbness round then cs scar but not the episiotomy. I was cut by a midwife but sewn back up by doctor

Original poster
DNAshelicase · 14/05/2022 19:44

ILikeCrapTelly · 14/05/2022 19:39

I think that because of the anal tear my chances of a nasty 3rd degree birth tear are much higher than average

Has a medical professional told you this, or is it just something you think?

I had a 3rd degree tear with DC1, then a ELCS for DC2. Recovery from the CS was preferable to the tear, but recovery from a straight forward delivery (which you may well have if you've not been warned otherwise) would have been preferable over both 😂

This is totally my thinking and I will speak to my midwife about it for sure. I agree with everything you’ve said and a vaginal delivery without a tear would be ideal. It’s tricky because the c section injury would be a certainty but an ‘easier’ recovery, whereas the tear I suppose is a possibility but would be a rough recovery.

without the tear I’d go for a vaginal birth but I am concerned that my chances of making it through unscathed might be low because of the tear

OP posts:
Jojobees · 14/05/2022 19:44

I had a 3b tear almost exactly 3 years ago. I’m still doubly incontinent.
I won’t be having any more babies but if I were I’d absolutely have a c section.

Twizbe · 14/05/2022 19:47

I had a third degree tear with my first. Didn't even consider a c section for the second.

Healing was absolutely fine. I had no issues from it and still don't. I have a scar, but I have to actually go looking for it to see it.

With my second I didn't tear at all. Surprised me as I thought once you'd torn, you'd tear again.

FWIW it felt the same tearing and not tearing.

CockSpadget · 14/05/2022 20:12

If you tear, it is from the front to the back, not the other way around, so I really don't think the problem you have right now would cause a higher risk of a 3rd degree tear.
I've had a 3rd degree and had no problems healing, no incontinence etc, but everyone is different. A c section is major surgery, and can have many complications if it's own.

GinnyBee · 14/05/2022 22:38

@DNAshelicase no fight at all! I’m fit and healthy and had an uncomplicated pregnancy so it was fully just maternal request without any medical indication and was approved so easily. I think trusts and consultants vary, but mine was really supportive of whatever I wanted to do. They just have to make sure the risks have been explained to you and you understand them, which depending on tone and delivery could come across like trying to scare you off, but again my consultant was really good about not making it sound like that. 🙂

artisanbread · 14/05/2022 23:10

I had a C-section followed by a VBAC with a 3c tear (the most severe of the third degree tears). I had to have my stitches done in theatre. I would have said I had a good recovery from the C-section. It healed well and I had no problems at all. However, I found the recovery from the 3c tear quicker and easier overall and I was back to "normal" quicker. I would say be very strict about doing pelvic floor exercises though.

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