those who had 4th defree tear - next labour?

[Teri7489]

Were furture deliveries vaginal or section? If vaginal, did you tear again? Was the labour traumatic? Have decisions to make and need some advice x

 

[Kelx44]

This is a great question Im totally following this!!! I had a 3rd degree tear and couldn't walk for a MONTH!!! felt like my insides were falling out!! I'm 10 month post and still have pain down there and theres nothing no one can do. Been do many doctors and scared as hell it will be worse the 2nd time around.....

 

[AllyTiel]

I had a 4th degree tear with my first (she was 9lbs 5oz) and I just had my second 4 months ago. I was actually really scared of this labor. Not because I thought it would hurt at the time (I got epidural of course), but I knew how horribly bad the recovery would be. Sex hurt for 6 months after my first!! I only had a graze! No stitches required!! Yay! This baby was 7lbs 14oz. Recovery was amazing, I felt so great! We went to the park 6 days PP and walked around. No way I could do that after my first daughter. I could hardly freaking move for 2 weeks after having her.

 

[Kelx44]

My baby was only 6 lbs so How I tore badly is beyond me LOL

 

[Warby]

I had a 4th degree tear with my second.

I was induced with my third. I had an episiotomy with him. I know episiotomies are not very popular but in my experience, it was a walk in the park compared to the fourth degree tear. Much quicker and less complicated healing.

With my fourth I had a vaginal delivery with no tears at all.

 

[Eleanor ace]

I had a 3rd degree according to one doctor, 4th according to the other, so although I count it as a 3rd I'll answer anyway . My second delivery was great, I had tiny 1st and 2nd degree tears, no stitches (I had the option of a couple of stitches or leaving it to heal naturally- opted for none because the idea of getting stitched was super scary to me) and recovery was easy peasy. I delivered my 1st on my back which obviously isn't good for pushing, whereas my second was delivered in a birthing pool in a sitting/squatting position which helped. Although my 1st was bigger he wasn't massive (9lbs 15), it was the way he delivered with his hand by his face which caused the tear. DD came down in the same position but the change in position for delivery helped her get into a better position and she came with her arm flatter.

 

[Teri7489]

Thank you ladies. My consultant is encouraging me to.have a vaginal delivery as im badly damaged down there anyway. She said its unlikely I would have a back to back baby again and need assistance (hence the bad tear). Im super scared it will happen again but really dont want a section now. I asked about birthing pool and she said it would be ok to labour in but not for actually pushing baby out, she would prefer me out of the pool so she can monitor me. Thabks again ladies. Keep thr positive stories coming please xxx

 

[SarahBear]

I've heard that you're much less likely to tear the second time around.

 

[SparklesHeart]

I had a tear with my first (though I did have stitches, cant remember what grade it was!) he was 9lb 11oz, then my next two labours were tear free! 7lb 6oz, and 9lb 9oz (the big ones were boys!) and every labour I've mentioned the first tear and the midwifes have said its less likely the more you have?! Hope so, roll on #4!