Worrying about tears do you always need antibiotics

[lana29]

I've had a horrible history of antibiotics in past (chronic thrush issue and messed up stomach, took months to try get rid of thrush) and now I'm worrying about tearing during the birth as think that means antibiotics? I think if it's 3rd or 4th tear? Do they give you antibiotics as prevention or only if it turns to infection and what kind - or is there cream available instead? and is it a must for 3rd/4th
I said to midwife today and she went it's 3 day course but hopefully wouldn't need! I've looked into reducing tears ie position of birth - says all fours are better, the massage thing I've not been able to do as not keen on oil near area as so sensitive.

I've had stitches twice after two births and didn't need AB. It wasn't particularly sore either. The tears were maybe 2nd degree?
You know you can decline any form of medication you don't want.

I had 3rd degree tear, no mention of antibiotics was made.
I communicated my concerns about re-tearing on my second labour. My midwife was really good at giving me lots of tips and during some parts supported my perinurm with a warm flannel (or something?). I can’t remember what, but I remember her doing it.

Sorry to say that you may end up with thrush anyway because your bits and hormones get upset by the whole process... happened to me even with no antibiotics. However you may also need antibiotics during labour for example... you may end up with a C-sec... honestly the best thing you can do right now is surrender to whatever comes to pass because you really cannot control much of how your baby will arrive other than to use your breath to manage pain and stay as relaxed as possible.

No, they certainly won't issue antibiotics as a preventative measure. Even if you do tear, you'd be very unlucky to get any sort of infection.

Unless things have changed you won't be given antibiotics for tearing.
You'll be advised how to keep it clean and what the signs of infection are.
All the best.

I had stitches after all 3 of my DC, never had antibiotics after birth because of it.

Tear with sutures here, no antibiotics. Passed a chunk of placenta at week 6, no antibiotics despite it clearly being rotten. Ended up with symptoms of sepsis and got antibiotics. They will only give them when needed

I had an episiotomy after DC1 and 2nd degree tears after DC2 and DC3 - no antibiotics. They are definitely not issued as a preventative.

I had a 2nd degree tear with DS1 and very slight graze(no stitches) with DS2 and neither time had antibiotics. I did use oil for perineal massage the first time but never used it for DS2 as it was when I was in bed and I couldn’t be bothered to go get any! You can do the massage without oil.

I had a 3rd degree tear and was given antibiotics as a preventative. There is nothing to say you will have a tear and, based on all of the other responses, it does depend on the hospital. Good luck!

Also, make sure you're not allergic to the antibiotics - thrush can be a sign that you are!

I had 3rd degree tear and no antibiotics needed xx

Going against the grain here, I had a 3rd degree tear and one dose of IV antibiotics in theatre then a course of 2 different antibiotics for a week. This was 16 years ago mind you. No infection.

Episiotomy and internal stitches due to vacuum delivery and manual removal of placenta. No antibiotics needed.

I had a bad 3rd degree tear and a preventive course of two different antibiotics was given - two pretty strong ones, I came out in full body hives about a week after birth.

3rd and 4th degree tears are unusual though, I think it’s under 7% of deliveries result in one.
Have you looked at the risk factors for them? Take a look here www.rcog.org.uk/for-the-public/perineal-tears-and-episiotomies-in-childbirth/

@Baguette2021 Everytime I take antibiotics I end up with stubborn thrush, last time the thrush went into throat (Couldn't eat properly for months) and vaginal too - doctor prescribed everything and it took time to go away! I have such a bad reaction and wish there was alternatives :(
They seem to think I'm not allergic as it's their quick go to but to me..

Yeah, ask for a non penicillin version next time!

You know you can decline any form of medication you don't want

Probably not the best idea to refuse antibiotics if clinically indicated though. Antibiotics aren’t prescribed for giggles, they prevent life changing or life ending infections.

I had a second degree year with my first and an episiotomy with my second, and never had antibiotics

I agree for the most part.
But there is a growing trend towards over - prescription of antibiotics these days leading to AB resistant bacteria.
If in the scenario the OP asks about where AB cause her thrush and they would be prescribed just in case then if I was her I'd wait and see.

I myself was given a prescription for AB recently (can't actually remember why) as I went to the GP on a Friday. GP gave me the prescription as the weekend was approaching. (I didn't take them and was fine, whatever it was resolved itself/was not what I thought)
So while I do agree that we are extremely lucky to live in a time of AB and they save lives, they are over prescribed and not always necessary

But there is a growing trend towards over - prescription of antibiotics these days leading to AB resistant bacteria

“growing trend”? These days?

ab resistance and the need to reduce prescribing has been known for at least 30 years.

It’s been a topic of study for at least 60 years.

If you have a hcp who is offering out AB’s with no thought to an resistance “these days”, especially in a monitored hospital setting as in this case, there is an issue with CPD.

Is penicillin more likely to cause. Last time it was nitorofurtain - think I’ve spelt wrong but definitely nitro something @Baguette2021

I wouldn't know but ask your doctor!

I had a 3rd degree tear and was prescribed preventative antibiotics and then got an infection anyway that was resistant to the type of antibiotics I was prescribed and had another stronger course. I didn't get thrush but it did mess my digestive system up for a long while and if it happens again I will get some probiotics to take. I'm not sure if that will help thrush too? As previous posters have said, 3rd and 4th degree tears are rare and it looks like many with 2nd degree tears don't get prescribed antibiotics so fingers crossed you will be ok.