Anyone had a third or fourth degree tear?

[Aud05291987]

Yes! I was cut and I tore bad! I understand and believe me that pain is crazy and the pressure. I had epideral but it wore off moments before it was time to push. I am super worried as my birth was extreme baby almost died because of hip size and she was slightly bigger 8'15. But the tearing im not as worried about as long as they stitch it back up right lol. But the after effects are not so fun I know! I didnt have sex for like6 months.

 

[Warby]

I had a fourth degree tear with my second. Yucky, but it healed fully.

I ended up being induced with my third and things happened really quickly at the end. My doctor ended up doing an episiotomy (I was aware that this was a possibility beforehand). I know that episiotomies are controversial but for me, a controlled cut towards my thigh wa much better to deal with then a fourth degree tear. It too healed nicely, and a lot more quickly than th tear.

With my fourth, I had no tearing at all.

 

[babytots]

I had a 4th degree tear with my youngest and it didn't heal properly. My consultant who I was reffered to to discuss further surgery told me I could have another vaginal birth before having the surgery but my consultant during the pregnancy may suggest a c-section to prevent further damage. I'm really hoping I can avoid a c-section as the recovery time with 4 children and a newborn is not my ideal.

I feel the lack of support from my midwife during my labour with my son was rubbish and had she guided me with pushing and breathing as he crowned I don't think I would of tore as bad. I'm going to ask for a controlled induction and I shall be writing in my birth plan that the midwife be there to tell me when to push and when to breath through it and hopefully have a water birth as I did with my girls and only suffered grazes with them x

 

[k4th]

Babytots - I feel that if I'd listened to my midwife & been more in control I wouldn't have torn as badly. I think she tried but I was totally panicking. I love the idea of writing exactly how to coach me through pushing in a birth plan - great idea

 

[DebbieF]

No experience, but I had a 4 the degree tear with my dd. I am now 22 weeks with baby number 2. I swore at the time I wouldn't have another, but here I am. My midwives have suggested that we try perennial massage beginning in 3rd tri.

 

[Tulip]

I had a 3a with my first - that was a positioning problem, he came out like superman. Recovery was easy.

I had a 3b with ds2, but I'm told this is unusual. As last time, my body was pushing of its own accord. MW tried her best to slow him down but to no avail. Recovery hasn't been as easy thus time but now he's 5.5m and I've felt fine for a month or so now x

 

[princess2406]

I had a 3rd degree tear with my first, healed nicely and I was told by my consultant there is no reason for a c-section for future births, in fact there is less chance of it happening again. You can do perineal massage leading upto the birth, ask your midwife on how to this.