I am pregnant with my 3rd child and terrofied to give birth after my last birth gave me a 3rd degree tear. I have the option of cesarean or natural delivery this time round and have no idea what I should go with. Anyone who has had a natural birth after a third degree tear who could share how yours went? Or even if anyone has experienced both birth types who could share the pros and cons of each. Any advice or reassurance is appreciated :)
7 Replies
How long after? I had a third degree tear with my 3rd and 7 years later had a beautiful natural birth to my 4th, barely tore and he was a significantly bigger Bub.
I had 3rd degree tear with my first and went on to have 3 more natural deliveries, with one of my babies weighing over 10lb and never tore again. I was never offered the option of a cesarean either!!
My only advice is to let the midwives know your history and your fear of tearing again and they should be able to help the best they can. Super slow while birthing the head and shoulders!
Read up the pros and cons of a csection.
I have only had csections so i cant really compare, but they arent pretty, they are major surgery and the recovery can be horrible (which is something to consider too if you have little ones already)... but i guess a tear and you had to recover too....
Weigh up your options, be informed and own your dscision.
Go natural. The risk of a CS far outweighs the risk of tearing.
I had a 3rd degree with my first. The drs told me it’s a low chance of having another 3rd degree but if I had one I would likely have issues. I had 2 elective c sections after that. Way better recovery. I found it to be not worth the risk. I also know someone who had a 3rd degree tear the first time was convinced to go natural and had another 3rd degree tear. Has issues now as a result.
Definitely go to a cesarean. I had 3rd degreee tear. 2 years later a 2nd degree then they told me with my 3rd that my 2nd should have been a cesarean and they said it was in my best interest to have a ceserean and I did. It was the best decision I made.
I had 3rd degree + episiotomy + forceps with my first - 48 hour labour, 8 months to heal. I was advised to go caesar with next births.
I was terrified 2nd time around. I had no support at home to recover from a caesar + an 18 month toddler to look after.
I found a obstetrician I could trust & went with his advice.
I did a calm birth class, and used a epi-no birth trainer to gradually stretch my perineum leading up to the birth. I was fully prepared!
My second baby was born in under 1hour in an unplanned home birth, with zero tearing.
Find a health professional you trust & really listens to your concerns & go with their advice. Best of luck.