For those that had a 3rd degree tear in their first pregnancy

[Willow82]

What are your plans for delivery?

I had to see the consultant at the 12 week scan as I had a 3a degree tear with my son. He was fairly dismissive saying that it wasn't that bad a tear and that he was happy for me to have another vaginal birth this time around. I healed really quickly and have had no problems since and want to avoid a c-section, therefore I was happy with this.

Now I'm getting a bit closer, I've become a bit nervier about it as he said although I'm no more likely to tear again, if I do it will be worse. I spent some of last night looking up 2nd pregnancies and found lots of people who had tears second time around and who have suffered long term damage. Now I'm really worried. Anyone else in the same boat?

 

[Kitteh_Kat]

I hope for another vaginal birth, just going to do whatever I can to reduce the risk of tearing. I'd rather tear again than have a c-section (nothing against them, I'm just more terrified of going through one).

 

[Eleanor ace]

I had a 3c with my 1st and had a successful vaginal delivery with my 2nd; I had very small 1st and 2nd degree tears with her, no stitches . Hoping for another positive vaginal delivery in the near future .

 

[bletherer]

Had a 3rd degree tear with my first baby. Got a product called epi-no and was very strict using it as well as doing my pelvic floor exercises/perineal massage. Had a similar sized baby 2nd time round with not even a graze!
Having my 3rd baby in 4 weeks time and will be doing the same. In addition to using elastolabo.

 

[catty]

I had a 2nd degree tear but I personally found it so bad I struggled with it for 6 weeks. anyway 2nd time I just got a tiny little graze!

 

[iiTTCii]

I had a 3rd degree tear with my first and I'm having a c section this time as I'm too scared to go through it again.

 

[k4th]

I had a third degree tear with my first. I was terrified of my second birth, although I did opt for a vaginal delivery.

I went to birthing classes and that helped enormously with my confidence that I could do it.

Ds was born with his hand by his head as he crowned and I still only had a second degree tear. It was a much more positive experience & a very easy recovery.

Best wishes - hope your second birth is everything you hope for

 

[2cheekyboys]

I had a 3c tear with my first baby and only a small tear with my second. Wasnt even given a degree of tear.
I remember i was told that my chances of tearing were higher but never told that it would be any worse.

Good luck x

 

[Misscalais]

I had 2nd degree tear, in and out with my 1st. Had my 2nd 14 months later, and a massive 9 pounder as well and i did not tear, not even a graze! 3rd bub i got a tiny graze.

 

[Lisa40]

I had a 4th degree tear with my first & at that time had a 25% chance of losing bowel control! Luckily I'm fine but they were still open to me having a vaginal delivery this time although were also happy to agree a section.

They said it's unlikely to happen again (told me generally second births have less tears as an average) however if I did then I may not recover.

I decided to go for the section but I did have a 4th rather than a 3rd, but the doctors were happy either way.

Good luck whatever you decide.
xx

 

[Willow82]

I think I'm going to try for a natural delivery, mainly as I find the idea of a c-section quite scary. Hopefully, the midwives will be able to give me support to minimise the risk of tearing. I need to get practicing my kegels as well!

 

[Tulip]

I had a 3a first time round (DS had his hand on the top of his head) and a 3b second time (DS2 was significantly bigger and absolutely shot out like a rocket. MW tried to slow him down but couldn't).

Recovery second time took a bit longer but no lasting effects. Good luck! Xx

 

[Eleanor ace]

I had a 3c with my 1st and had a successful vaginal delivery with my 2nd; I had very small 1st and 2nd degree tears with her, no stitches . Hoping for another positive vaginal delivery in the near future .

Had my 3rd yesterday, small 1st degree tear, no stitches

 

[Willow82]

Congrats!