natural birth after severe 4th degree tear?

[annekelly2289]

I had my first baby 10-23-14, an now pregnant with my second one and due 11-24-15. My doctor is insisting on a c section because of the severe tear I had with my first. I healed very well and haven't really had any problems with it besides being a llittle tender here an there. I was up walking the next day after delivering. I delivered all natural an no pain meds. She came face up and had to use a vacuum to help get her out. I'm very scared of having a c section. I'm wondering if there are any other moms out there who have had a natural birth within a year or more after a 415th degree tear. Please help!!!

 

[Eleanor ace]

Hiya, I had a bad tear (was told 3c and then 4th degree so I'm not sure what level exactly but quite bad) with my 1st. Vaginal delivery, he came face up with his hand up by is face so his elbow tore me. I was encouraged to choose a c-section by my MW for my 2nd but spoke to my consultant and he was happy for me to try a vaginal delivery as I'd had checks done when I was 6 months past the tear (camera up my butt and internal sphincter function tests) and it had all healed really well.
Anyway I had a water birth for my 2nd and that helped with the stretching. I won't lie it was quite sore when the scar tissue was stretching but it was bearable and although she came out face up with her arm up as well I only had small 2nd degree and 1st degree tears and didn't have any stitches . There's 21 months between my two so a bigger gap but hopefully since you're feeling good down there things have had time to heal

 

[annekelly2289]

Thank you for that. Also did you have to request that test done or did they just do it. I've never heard of it so I might ask them if they can do it just to make sure. I'm very scared of having a c section.

 

[Eleanor ace]

I was just given the appointment, they mentioned it after I got patched up but I forgot about it until I got a letter through with the appointment. I'd really recommend it, it was pretty awkward (5 people watching as a camera was put up my butt and discussing the state of my internal sphincters/rectum/bowel) but knowing that everything had healed well and that I didn't have too much internal scar tissue really made me feel more confident choosing another vaginal delivery.