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Original poster

Birth after having forceps

57 replies

GirlMumxx · 13/11/2024 10:28

Hi, just want to hear everybody else's stories or opinions.

On my first birth i was in labour for 3 days, was so painful, ended up having forceps, 3rd degree tear and episiotomy and i had the epidural which probably didn't help. My recovery was terrible, the worst pain i have ever felt in my entire life, i felt like death.

I am now pregnant and absolutely terrified to go for a natural birth again incase i tear so bad down there it gets destroyed lol!

Did anyone else have a good second birth after a bad forceps delivery or would you think it's best to opt for a C section?

OP posts:
Mumof1andacat · 13/11/2024 10:33

Did you have a referral to a gynaecology after birth? I had very similar to yourself. Epidural, forceps delivery with 3b tear and episiotomy. I saw the gynaecologist about 9 months after birth. All was healed but it was noted that if I was to have another child, a c section was recommended.

Original poster
GirlMumxx · 13/11/2024 10:33

Mumof1andacat · 13/11/2024 10:33

Did you have a referral to a gynaecology after birth? I had very similar to yourself. Epidural, forceps delivery with 3b tear and episiotomy. I saw the gynaecologist about 9 months after birth. All was healed but it was noted that if I was to have another child, a c section was recommended.

No, i was never referred to anybody. Thinking about a natural birth scares the life out of me !!

OP posts:
Original poster
GirlMumxx · 13/11/2024 10:35

Mumof1andacat · 13/11/2024 10:33

Did you have a referral to a gynaecology after birth? I had very similar to yourself. Epidural, forceps delivery with 3b tear and episiotomy. I saw the gynaecologist about 9 months after birth. All was healed but it was noted that if I was to have another child, a c section was recommended.

May i ask why they said c section for your second birth? Was there a main reason?

OP posts:
Cardboardeaux · 13/11/2024 10:37

I would consider an ELCS in your position OP. I did for DC2 (induction plus forceps for DD1) and it was a wonderful experience, and recovery was better than first time around as well (although all experiences differ). Have you discussed your worries with your midwife?

Original poster
GirlMumxx · 13/11/2024 10:38

Cardboardeaux · 13/11/2024 10:37

I would consider an ELCS in your position OP. I did for DC2 (induction plus forceps for DD1) and it was a wonderful experience, and recovery was better than first time around as well (although all experiences differ). Have you discussed your worries with your midwife?

Not yet as i am still very early on...it's just playing on my mind. I am so scared!

OP posts:
Cosycover · 13/11/2024 10:38

Your birth story sounds exactly the same as my first one.

I went for a c section for my second as I just couldn't risk it.

It was honestly so nice, calm and controlled compared to my first experience. It was truly lovely.

People will say that a section is a hard recovery but for me it was a walk in the park compared to the recovery of my vaginal birth. Both physically and mentally.

itscomplicatedagain · 13/11/2024 10:41

I had a similar birth and opted for an elective cs. Definitely the right decision. Trauma from child birth is real and I didn't know how it had affected me until I was pregnant again.

bubonic · 13/11/2024 10:41

I had a very similar birth story. I was induced and went to forceps. I had a full epidural as they prepped me for potential c section.

Second time around I was also induced (I have late babies!) and asked for an epidural I could control, this made a huge difference. I did tear but I don't notice anything. I can still feel the episiotomy from the first time around though!

Cardboardeaux · 13/11/2024 10:41

GirlMumxx · 13/11/2024 10:38

Not yet as i am still very early on...it's just playing on my mind. I am so scared!

Show quote history

Definitely speak to your midwife. I got referred to the birth reflections service in the end - they were so helpful in helping me to unpick what I was anxious about from my first birth so I could make an informed decision for DC2.

FranticFrankie · 13/11/2024 10:45

After a third degree tear, it’s completely reasonable and understandable to request an elective caesarean section.
Ask your community midwife to refer you to the Consultant clinic for your booking in appointment (after your initial MW appointment)
(bear in mind different policies for different areas of the country but please discuss with your community MW)
Congratulations on your pregnancy! All the best

Spirallingdownwards · 13/11/2024 10:46

GirlMumxx · 13/11/2024 10:28

Hi, just want to hear everybody else's stories or opinions.

On my first birth i was in labour for 3 days, was so painful, ended up having forceps, 3rd degree tear and episiotomy and i had the epidural which probably didn't help. My recovery was terrible, the worst pain i have ever felt in my entire life, i felt like death.

I am now pregnant and absolutely terrified to go for a natural birth again incase i tear so bad down there it gets destroyed lol!

Did anyone else have a good second birth after a bad forceps delivery or would you think it's best to opt for a C section?

Your first sounds like my first except I needed a double episiotomy and corrective surgery after.

I was told I couldn't have a c section as no medical reason to have major surgery. Maybe times are different now? However I was induced early at 37 weeks instead and had a vaginal birth with just gas and air (which I couldn't stomach first time) and a slight tear not even needing stitches. It was altogether a much more pleasant experience (if childbirth can be pleasant).

Happy to chat offline if you want.

Cardboardeaux · 13/11/2024 10:56

Spirallingdownwards · 13/11/2024 10:46

Your first sounds like my first except I needed a double episiotomy and corrective surgery after.

I was told I couldn't have a c section as no medical reason to have major surgery. Maybe times are different now? However I was induced early at 37 weeks instead and had a vaginal birth with just gas and air (which I couldn't stomach first time) and a slight tear not even needing stitches. It was altogether a much more pleasant experience (if childbirth can be pleasant).

Happy to chat offline if you want.

Edited
Show quote history

You can now request a CS as of right - there doesn't need to be a medical need (in England, that is). I don't know when the guidance changed.

Emiliasmummy · 13/11/2024 10:59

First birth was so similar to yours I really was traumatized. Second baby I went in to get induced but ended up in labour without it. The whole experience was over in 2 hours, no tearing and no time for epidural or any pain relief other than gas and air. The recovery was so much better too. I loved my experience the second time.

MaltipooMama · 13/11/2024 11:00

Following this because I'm in the same situation as you, OP! My first delivery I had the epidural and as a result had forceps and third degree tearing, I remember the recovery and feeling like I was never going to heal! My second is due in July and for the same reason as you, reluctant to have the epidural again but so scared of what to expect when I can actually feel the pain 🙈

Original poster
GirlMumxx · 13/11/2024 11:01

MaltipooMama · 13/11/2024 11:00

Following this because I'm in the same situation as you, OP! My first delivery I had the epidural and as a result had forceps and third degree tearing, I remember the recovery and feeling like I was never going to heal! My second is due in July and for the same reason as you, reluctant to have the epidural again but so scared of what to expect when I can actually feel the pain 🙈

Yup, it's playing on my mind. I'm so so scared, i've heard stories of people having to have surgery down there after going for a natural after forceps due to it tearing that much!!

OP posts:
MaltipooMama · 13/11/2024 11:04

Emiliasmummy · 13/11/2024 10:59

First birth was so similar to yours I really was traumatized. Second baby I went in to get induced but ended up in labour without it. The whole experience was over in 2 hours, no tearing and no time for epidural or any pain relief other than gas and air. The recovery was so much better too. I loved my experience the second time.

Do you mind if I ask how you found having just gas and air through the whole contractions/delivery? As in was it unbearable pain or remotely manageable? I only ask because I was quite heavily dilated when I had my epidural and even at that point the pain was so bad I couldn't speak which is what scares me!

Berthatydfil · 13/11/2024 11:05

I had 2 after forceps epidural episiotomy and tear. Baby went into distress to they had to get him out.
Second one had to have waters broken and one pethidine. And when I got the urge to push she just shot out and I think I had what they called a graze. No stitches needed.
Third waters broke but didnt go into labour so had to be induced but once it started it was over very quickly no pain relief only tens machine no stitches.

Berthatydfil · 13/11/2024 11:07

GirlMumxx · 13/11/2024 11:01

Yup, it's playing on my mind. I'm so so scared, i've heard stories of people having to have surgery down there after going for a natural after forceps due to it tearing that much!!

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On reflection I blame the epidural as I couldnt feel to push. But I didnt like the gas and air.

MaltipooMama · 13/11/2024 11:07

@GirlMumxx seriously you are echoing my every thought! When I found out we were having our second, my first thought was "oh this is amazing", very shortly followed by "holy shit I am absolutely petrified of going through labour again". The first time I was blissfully unaware and now I know what to expect it's just filling me with fear and anxiety!

Original poster
GirlMumxx · 13/11/2024 11:07

MaltipooMama · 13/11/2024 11:07

@GirlMumxx seriously you are echoing my every thought! When I found out we were having our second, my first thought was "oh this is amazing", very shortly followed by "holy shit I am absolutely petrified of going through labour again". The first time I was blissfully unaware and now I know what to expect it's just filling me with fear and anxiety!

Yup!! Exactly the same as me lol!

OP posts:
MaltipooMama · 13/11/2024 11:08

@GirlMumxx sending you lots of positive vibes I really hope this one is less traumatic for you ❤️

Original poster
GirlMumxx · 13/11/2024 11:09

MaltipooMama · 13/11/2024 11:08

@GirlMumxx sending you lots of positive vibes I really hope this one is less traumatic for you ❤️

Same goes for you! 🤍

OP posts:
BakedAl · 13/11/2024 11:10

My first was born by forceps. The 2nd popped out fairly easily, don't think I even needed stitches.

Cece92 · 13/11/2024 11:12

I had a very similar birth with my DD but suffered a massive haemorrhage after and I was advised to have a c section if I had any more children. I'd love to try natural again though If I have anymore xxx

teatoast8 · 13/11/2024 11:14

MaltipooMama · 13/11/2024 11:04

Do you mind if I ask how you found having just gas and air through the whole contractions/delivery? As in was it unbearable pain or remotely manageable? I only ask because I was quite heavily dilated when I had my epidural and even at that point the pain was so bad I couldn't speak which is what scares me!

Show quote history

My second was just gas and air and it was fine. Yes the contractions hurt but the pushing took the pain away!