2nd birth previous 3b tear! What do I do, please help! Losing sleep.

[spicytuna06]

Hi ladies,

I’m expecting my second (due date 14.09, but induction booked for 8.09) and can’t decide whether to go for a planned C-section or try for another vaginal birth. With my first I had a 3b tear, but honestly my recovery was ok — I was up sitting and walking straight away and didn’t go through a rough time like I know some mums do.

This time, the doctors are leaning towards recommending a C-section, but they also said if I want to go vaginal, they’d probably induce me at 39 weeks to avoid the baby getting too big. That’s left me a bit nervous, because I’ve also heard induction can sometimes increase the risk of interventions and tears.

I just keep going back and forth in my head. Part of me worries about another tear and the long-term effects on continence/pelvic floor, but then I’m also nervous about C-section recovery, especially with a toddler to look after.

Has anyone been through this? Did you choose a section after a 3rd degree tear, or did you go vaginal again? Would you do the same if you had to decide again?

Thanks so much! I’m really panicking here which isn’t helping that oxytocin 😂

I suppose it depends on the reason for the tear. I had a 3B with my first, it was because he shot out fast. I was like you with a good recovery. I was never actually offered a section for my second.

I had a 2nd degree tear with my second, bit of a bigger baby, but more controlled birth.

I then had my third and did have another 3rd degree tear, unassisted birth, not by choice. But I have been fine.

Hello! I had third degree hearing with my first (ventouse and he had a big head). Then with my second I had another vaginal birth and second degree tearing but recovery has been a bit slower but generally okay! A lot quicker than a c section and it was great to be up and about quickly!

thank you both! In hindsight do you wish you had gone for a c section once you found out you tore again? x

I have never wished I had a c section. It looks like a lot to recover from. I know some people say it's not that bad, but having had other abdominal surgery, I can't imagine looking after a baby after that.

I was in this position. 3rd degree tear and episiotomy with first baby. Recovery was good all things considered. I went with the recommendation of a c section on the basis of not wanting to risk incontinence. I also liked the idea of knowing when the birth would be to help plan childcare for the eldest. Also we live quite far from the hospital so I was fearful of going into labour and not making it there in time. Baby was measuring big towards the end so they would have pushed strongly for a c section if I'd not already agreed to it. The planned c section was an absolute dream, as much as major surgery can be! I was at my daughters school play after 4 days - heavily dosed on tramadol! I still have a 'pouch' and numbness around the scar 9 months on. I would do the same again although it's two and done for me

I had a 3rd degree with my first in 2022, forceps were mentioned due to his heart rate so I went for it a little too hard to avoid it. Recovery from that was absolutely fine though.

Second baby just born May this year and was suggested I go for a c section but I decided against it. Had to be induced at 39 weeks due to blood pressure issues and it was honestly a lovely experience. Was induced at 10.30pm, contractions started 2am, quite quickly got more intense then by 11am they were really close together. Water broke around 12 while on the ctg and then they realised I was already 5cm, got me down to labour ward by 12.30pm and I needed to push straight away. Baby arrived 25 minutes later! So really quick and a much better birth than my 1st. 2nd degree with this one due to the speed of it all but was a great recovery and no issues since with anything.

All that to say don't be afraid if inductions. A lot of people talk about the bad ones but there are good inductions. I'm so glad I went with mine and would definitely do it again.

Good luck with whatever you decide!