Second Labour- tear

I had a 3b degree tear in October 2021 and was under consultant for my second pregnancy (20 months between my two). I was at a 8% chance of tearing again and I knew I had the option of a caesarean and I just went with the caesarean section and you know what?? I’d do that alllll over again in a HEARTBEAT. I had such a positive labour / surgery and I was so much happier postpartum second time around! Listened to my body but was still able to do my washing, wash bottles, cuddle my first born and had some support from family due to not being able to drive etc! Talk through your options and your risk of tearing again my lovely. One of my friends tore first time and didn’t tear second time as she did perineal massage and she had such a positive vaginal birth, I just didn’t want to take the risk personally and opted for the section. Whatever you decide, I hope for a positive labour and birth for you and baby 🤍

You should have a consultant appointment with your second if you had a bad tear with your first. Mine was around 14 weeks and she gave loads of advice and listened to all my questions and concerns. Ask your midwife to set one up if she hasn’t already.

@Lauris thank you so much I actually thought about a section this time but my first labour was so positive and lovely (although painful haha) and the thought of being in pain after birth from section was scaring me, I’m also midwife led because they say I have such a low risk pregnancy again as my other one went so smoothly. Good to know though, I see my midwife next week so will definitely mention it then and see what they suggest, thank you! I think the part that was putting me off was looking after a toddler too and he’s a handful and really heavy haha! Xx

@Ali aww really? I’m not sure if my tear is what they consider really bad but I had quite a lot of stitches and they said that it was quite deep, I have been midwife led again this pregnancy as they said I’m such a low risk again.. will definitely bring it up next week thank you! X

I had a full episiotomy and forceps and epidural with my little boy who is 18 months. And my labour was 22hours. I had my little girl in November 24 who is now 11 weeks and I had 3 tiny stitches for internal tears which were barely nothing. And it was only because she came out too fast. Labour was 19 minutes with no pain relief 🙈

@Stacey aww that’s good to know! Wow 19 minutes! I’m expecting a quick labour this time too my little boy who is 18 months I was only in labour for about 4 hours with him too they was shocked for a first time🙈😂X

They say your second labour is quicker. But my god I didn’t think it would be cut from 22 hours to 19 minutes 🤣🤣 barely made it to the hospital got carried out the car by the midwives. I was sat eating quality streets on the sofa then next minute I needed to push 🤣🤣 xx