Torn badly with 1st (3rd degree) will it happen again???

[Proserpina]

after reading all your responses ladies, I am starting to wonder a bit....I had a pretty bad birth with DD, they gave me a 3rd degree episiotomy, used vacuum and forceps on her as she was a large baby for someone my size, but I don't think I tore beyond the cut. I was also in a bad position, on my back. I am planning on trying for an all natural this time, maybe trying an all fours position or squatting position with perineal massage.

If I had an episitomy cut the first time, does anyone know if I am at risk for another severe tearing? It's something I'm quite worried about

Unfortunately, having had an episiotomy or having torn once before does increase the risk of tearing again.

Don't get worried though; get prepared. Do your Kegels throughout your pregnancy and practice perineal massage and alternative laboring positions when you're in your third trimester. Fear will just make you tense up and increase the likelihood of another tear.

 

[Eleanor ace]

after reading all your responses ladies, I am starting to wonder a bit....I had a pretty bad birth with DD, they gave me a 3rd degree episiotomy, used vacuum and forceps on her as she was a large baby for someone my size, but I don't think I tore beyond the cut. I was also in a bad position, on my back. I am planning on trying for an all natural this time, maybe trying an all fours position or squatting position with perineal massage.

If I had an episitomy cut the first time, does anyone know if I am at risk for another severe tearing? It's something I'm quite worried about

I'm not sure about an episiotomy, but I had a 3rd/4th degree with DS, my consultant said that tearing the 1st time doesn't make me any more likely to tear this time, it's just that the risk of doing permanent damage is higher. I tore due to DS having a nuchal hand though so I don't know if that makes a difference.

 

[maybabydoll]

I tore with baby #1 ended up in theatre too, loss 2400ml of blood and had an 8 day hospital stay. Although I would love more babies I'm still too scared 16 months on! Reading positive second birth stories does help though x x

 

[ljo1984]

I had episiotomy with first for forceps!! With my second I got a 3rd degree tear to perineum and labial (just one side) I could feel it happening but I pushed through it, pushing 9lb out in 3 pushes was never gonna be a good thing lol. I found the local anaesthetic after more painful that labour and birth and that's the only thing I'm scared about next time, I'm sure I'll tear again, I'm not lucky enough to get away all intact