Birth after third degree tear…

I had an episio (2nd degree cut) and forceps delivery with my first, normal vaginal delivery with my second and no tearing or grazing, nothing. Both big babies

My first was 6 pounds 15 oz and I tore with her. It wasn’t the worst but decent. Had my son this August and he was 7 pounds 13 oz and I didn’t not tear at all

Can't provide my experience but I'm having an elective C-section with my second due in Feb and I had a third degree tear with my first. There is a range when it comes to third degree tears so this risk is going to vary. I had a bad third degree tear and I've been advised that mine was past the threshold where they would be advising a vaginal birth. My understanding is that the risk of tearing again in the same way is still low but the long term impacts on my health if it did happen mean that a C-section is considered more safe. It's still my choice but for me personally this is the right decision to have a csection for a range of reasons- my first birth was very traumatic for lots of reasons and I don't want to experience that again. Obviously the advice you have had may be different depending on your tear and what is right for you personally will be different.

@Jess when I went to see my consultant he didn’t really advise anything I just said I wanted a C-section and he agreed and booked me in for a scan to measure the baby. My first birth was traumatic as well, I just have this hope I could have a somewhat enjoyable birth and I know this will be my last baby! I know if I have another bad tear I can be left with permanent issues that is what is making me think C-section would be safest x

@Beth ah did they not do a scan? In my area I'm under the perineal team and I had a scan to check my scar tissue before they made the recommendation. I also had the same hope before getting pregnant again and in the early stages of pregnancy before I had these conversations. I wanted a chance at a do-over so I could have a 'successful' birth but after having time to process it I feel better about the idea of having a C-section. So many things went wrong with my first labour and as I don't know why there's no guarantee they won't all happen again which would likely result in the same end result as last time or worse. Again this is my individual experience so for you things could be very different.

I had episiotomy and 3rd degree tear with my 1st. 2nd labour lasted less than 1hr 30mins, was pushing for 6 mins and ended up with a 1st degree tear internally and a graze. Recovery has been so much quicker this time around. A much more positive birth experience ❤️