10lb8 baby, 4th degree tear...BIG delivery decision!!!!

[ONE.OF.MY.OWN]

I had my son in 2011 and he was a big baby weighing 10lb8.5oz. He was delivered naturally but via forceps and I suffered a fourth degree tear and needed blood transfusion etc. There was no given reason for him being so large, no diabetes etc. I was stitched and healed quickly and have not suffered since.
The midwives at the time, urged me that should I have another baby, I should definately have a section due to the trauma I suffered. This view was echoed by the consultant when I went for my 6mth check. He said that I had healed so well, and the stitches had been so neat, there could be no guarantee that if I was to tear again, that this could be done. He too suggested a section for future babies.

I am now pregnant again and the choice of how to deliver is mine. I'm provisionally booked in for a section but the consultant (a different one) said that the background advice, would be natural delivery! I have of course been terrified by the prospect of tearing again, but would really like to avoid a section if possible. I will have a growth scan at 34 weeks and can decide after then. If it's predicted big again I'm more than likely gonna go with section, but if it's average....I'm so tempted to try for a natural delivery.

Anyone any experience of a natural delivery after 3rd / 4th degree tear? Is it virtually a given that I'll tear again in the same spot. I'm so undecided, a section could be the sensible option but it's obviously major surgery.


Thanks for reading.

 

[daisydoo]

Right Hun I was in exactly the same position. My first LO was 10lb and I too had forceps delivery and 4th degree tears. When I was pregnant with my dd consultant first said no reason why I couldn't deliver naturally 2nd time but put me through for growth scan, GDP tests etc just I case. My growth scan showed baby to be normal size at 36weeks yet they had complete change of heart and decided since my tear had been so bad and if I damaged it in same way again it could be unreperable I should really have c section. I was pretty devastated about the whole thing I didn't want section or to leave my DS for 3 nights etc. tried every trick in the book to deliver naturally before my section date but ended up having section and just really want you to know I'm now made up I had one. My experience was great and I recovered very quick from it and now I'm glad I don't have further damage down below that I would have to live with for the rest of my life. There are so many positive birth stories on line for mums with previous tears I'm sure all would be just fine if you decide to stick to your guns and have baby naturally but I just wanted you to know c sections that are planned can be great too xx

 

[ONE.OF.MY.OWN]

Right Hun I was in exactly the same position. My first LO was 10lb and I too had forceps delivery and 4th degree tears. When I was pregnant with my dd consultant first said no reason why I couldn't deliver naturally 2nd time but put me through for growth scan, GDP tests etc just I case. My growth scan showed baby to be normal size at 36weeks yet they had complete change of heart and decided since my tear had been so bad and if I damaged it in same way again it could be unreperable I should really have c section. I was pretty devastated about the whole thing I didn't want section or to leave my DS for 3 nights etc. tried every trick in the book to deliver naturally before my section date but ended up having section and just really want you to know I'm now made up I had one. My experience was great and I recovered very quick from it and now I'm glad I don't have further damage down below that I would have to live with for the rest of my life. There are so many positive birth stories on line for mums with previous tears I'm sure all would be just fine if you decide to stick to your guns and have baby naturally but I just wanted you to know c sections that are planned can be great too xx

Thanks so much, that's just the kind of advice I wanted from someone with personal experience.
My tear was quite severe, hence my concerns. Sounds like I'm in exact same boat as u were!
Thanks for ur story xx

 

[daisydoo]

Right Hun I was in exactly the same position. My first LO was 10lb and I too had forceps delivery and 4th degree tears. When I was pregnant with my dd consultant first said no reason why I couldn't deliver naturally 2nd time but put me through for growth scan, GDP tests etc just I case. My growth scan showed baby to be normal size at 36weeks yet they had complete change of heart and decided since my tear had been so bad and if I damaged it in same way again it could be unreperable I should really have c section. I was pretty devastated about the whole thing I didn't want section or to leave my DS for 3 nights etc. tried every trick in the book to deliver naturally before my section date but ended up having section and just really want you to know I'm now made up I had one. My experience was great and I recovered very quick from it and now I'm glad I don't have further damage down below that I would have to live with for the rest of my life. There are so many positive birth stories on line for mums with previous tears I'm sure all would be just fine if you decide to stick to your guns and have baby naturally but I just wanted you to know c sections that are planned can be great too xx

Thanks so much, that's just the kind of advice I wanted from someone with personal experience.
My tear was quite severe, hence my concerns. Sounds like I'm in exact same boat as u were!
Thanks for ur story xx

Your very welcome Hun hope you get the delivery you want and good luck with your pregnancy x x x