Am I worrying unnecessarily about my bits??

[ChocFudgeCake]

Hi, I'm 33 weeks and paranoia has started.
This will be my 4th delivery. With big baby No.2, I had an episiotomy and a 3rd degree tear. Then with baby No.3, only episiotomy. Now I have been feeling the "area" very tender and heavy (!). Everytime I remember the pelvic floor exercisies and start to do them on the spot!
I was wondering if there is a way to tell if I am in some kind of danger to have a prolapse or some permanent or serious damage. I have been told that the baby is big, but not too much so I won't be induced or have an extra scan. Should I ask the midwife to take a look next time I see her ?

Dont really have any advice but I had an episiotomy/forceps with DS (he had a big head) so it's something I worry about too. I guess all you can do is discuss it with your MW and see what she says... best of luck xx

I had some hefty tears/ventouse with ds and have never felt fully right down there. Like you, I do on the spot emergency kegels from time to time. I mentioned my concerns to the MW and I have appointments set up with the consultant - I've had one and will have another at 34 weeks once he's got my notes from the previous hospital and we will take it from there. I got the feeling that if I made a strong demand for cs I'd get one, which I will certainly consider if it means preserving my bits!

Was speaking to a friend who is a colo-rectal surgeon yesterday - she is considering No4 but says she knows her perineum has 'thinned' owing to previous damage and is considering a CS if she has another. Do have a word with your doctor / midwife just in case.

She also added that much damage during birth takes place inside, so even if all looks okay after outwardly, if it doesn't feel right then complain. She is trying to get set up as a specialist in post-labour injuries and says many go unnoticed...

Thanks for your comments I was afraid that everyone would say that I was paranoid. I will def. speak to the midwife about it. Also forgot to say that with baby no. 3 had forceps (doing kegels as I write!!), ohh sweet memories.