Episiotomy 1st time, more likely 2nd time?

[tinkerbelle93]

A few people I know had a tear the first time they gave birth but then didn't tear or require stitches with all subsequent babies.

Is this possible if you've had an episiotomy the 1st time round? I've heard they don't heal as well as natural tears, does that mean you're more likely to tear across the same line, or that they'll want to give you an episiotomy again?

Just wondered whether anyone has any experience/advice with this!

 

[MrsKTB]

Im stalking! I had an epi with first....undiagnosed breech.... That was the worst bit about the whole 'healing' process after labour!

 

[XJessicaX]

1st baby 6lb11 persistent posterior. Needed a 3rd degree cut and also sustained a 2nd degree tear and wow that took a long time to heal (about 10 weeks) Awful!

2nd baby was almost 2lb heavier at 8lb9 and I was nervous about tearing again but no damage at all to my perineum! Got a very small 1st degree labial tear which healed in 4 days.

 

[aliss]

For me no, because this time I was very well aware & alert during the pushing stage as I had a huge desire to avoid it (the first time, I didn't care what they did, oh boy). I had nothign the 2nd time and a horrid episotomy with the 1st. Both dystocia deliveries, but with the 2nd, I had the motivation to try other positions to relieve it rather than to give up.

 

[superbecks]

1st baby 6lb11 persistent posterior. Needed a 3rd degree cut and also sustained a 2nd degree tear and wow that took a long time to heal (about 10 weeks) Awful!

2nd baby was almost 2lb heavier at 8lb9 and I was nervous about tearing again but no damage at all to my perineum! Got a very small 1st degree labial tear which healed in 4 days.

What do you mean by a third degree cut?

 

[neds]

I've just hadmy 2nd baby. Both of mine close to 10lbs. First baby I had large episiotomy and recovery was horrible! This time, I tore slightly and have stitches but can hardly feel them. Huge difference from first time, no one even mentioned an episiotomy this time round. And my tear is not where I was cut the first time (I just assumed it would have been).

 

[TTC LADY]

Very interesting, was wondering the same thing. Had episotomy with first which took ages to heal and ruined the whole post baby experience for me. I just pray that I don't tear this time round as my stitches were so tight last time round it was agony.