Forceps and 3rd/ 4th degree tears

[Mumofonexo]

I had my son nearly a year ago. I ended up having forceps, an episiotomy and sustained a 3b tear. It’s taken me nearly a year to feel somewhat normal.

I’ve just come across an article that said mums who have forceps are more likely to develop fecal incontinence as they get older! I’m absolutely petrified of ending up in a nappy like a lovely colorectal doctor told me could happen 🥲 if you know someone or are someone who had a bad tear and forceps please let me know this didn’t happen x

Hi there it's a labour ward midwife, not a doctor. A 3rd or 4th degree tear could happen with the most straightforward vaginal delivery, not solely with the forceps delivery. My understanding is as long as they are repaired correctly at the time, long term outcomes are good. I delivered a few babies whose mums had a 3rd degree tear previously. Even though these mums are free to choose an elective Caesarean in our hospital. I suggest you ask to be seen by a maternity physio at your hospital. The doctor's opinion you mentioned doesn't sound right to me. I hope it helps

I had a third degree tear with my son over 8 years ago, which admittedly isn't that long ago but no issues so far with fecal incontinence.

Further to the earlier message... are you doing your pelvic floor exercises? Any woman who had a baby bouncing on her pelvic floor for 9 months needs to be doing those exercises regularly for life. Even if she had an elective Caesarean. This is to minimise the risk of urine inconvenience in old age. Fecal inconvenience is very rare in my experience. I saw one case in 5 years and it resolved spontaneously within days. (It was a forceps delivery)

Midwife again. Was it a private doctor you consulted? Was he trying to sign you up to some treatment?

My eldest child is 34 - forceps, while I was under GA (last attempt to get DC out before an emergency C section), episiotomy and 3rd degree tear. Horrific few weeks post birth going to the loo etc. horrific. I was VERY worried about future births.

Two further vaginal births, small tear with each, nothing spectacular.

I have the usual minor uterine prolapse - really should have been more vigilant about those pelvic floor exercises - but nothing that seriously restricts my life. I definitely don't have faecal incontinence.

Do your pelvic floor exercises, stay at a healthy weight, keep fit and well. It will be fine.

I had a 4th degree tear with forceps after my DS1. It was awful but he was in danger and they needed to get him out there and then.
I was told the same as you but for me - I've never had any issues since. It took me a long time to attempt DS2, and opted for a c section (recommended by my midwife and Drs). Both were traumatic at the time but for me / I've fully recovered, have no issues with toilet or through sex.
Drs have to warn of the extremes that 'could' happen in worse case situations. Try and be positive and make sure you do your pelvic floors.

Hi thank you for replying.
Ive read some right horror stories online and it has scared me so much!

I’ve seen two colorectal doctors both on the nhs. I’ve been told my sphincter is very thin 🥲

if I ever have another baby that’s a very big if I’m definitely having a c section

Honestly you’ve made me feel slightly better! All I’ve seen is really scary things online and then horrible comments from doctors about ending up in a nappy 🥺

Im so happy for you that everything is well in that area!

I have a kegel 8 which I use regularly and have purchased a treadmill to get back in shape. I’m not overweight but I’d like to keep fit x

I'm 5 years on from the same delivery as you, I had afew accidents in the 2 months post birth otherwise no more to date.

Had my 2nd baby beginning of this year and had a 2nd degree tear.
No issues following this either.

Bless you! I did when I trusted a fart! No other nice way to put that. However I can control my wind now. I think the accidents stoped around 5 months pp only happened a hand full of times but it was so scary!

Wow congratulations! Do you ever worry about the future or do you feel ok? X

@Mumofonexo I'm not worried no.
No professional I've seen where the birth was spoke about has mentioned anything.

I think I’ve literally googled everything and im
on Facebook groups for severe tears and see so much bad stuff that’s probably why x

Can I ask do they tell you if you had a third degree tear.
My DD was born by emergency ventouse when her heart rate dipped many years ago.Crash team raced in episiotomy done then 20 plus stitches left a ridge inside me for ages.
It was all so sudden I didn't find anything out.
Any going to the loo was worrying afterwards.
Ok otherwise now.

@whatisforteamum

normally they’d tell you. I had stitches in my bum hole so you’d see too.

if you are unsure I would contact your gp and see if someone can check your hospital discharge paper work x

When you hit perimenopause seriously consider vaginal oestrogen (local type, cream, ring or ring) to keep the skin round there strong and healthy, particularly the repairs. You might not want or need full HRT but vaginal could be important for you.

@margegunderson
another lady on the masic support group suggested the same thing too ☺️ I will definitely be giving it a try! I want to keep my dignity for as long as possible x

@RottenApplesSpoilTheLot
also forgot to add not sure how old you are but are you peri/ menopausal and do you use any hrt? X

Hi @Mumofonexo I'm a good ten years post menopause and I'm one of those women who sailed through it, pretty much. Night sweats that's all. No need for, or desire to take, any HRT.

As I said, the only inconvenience is the need to pee a bit more often - I wake once, around 3am to go during the night. It's not a big deal.

@RottenApplesSpoilTheLot

Oh wow that’s amazing!
your story is really positive and helpful for others like myself who worry ☺️