I had physical therapy and it just entailed a LOT of pelvic floor exercises (kegels), I did have surgery to further repair the tear (which had limited success). I am pregnant again (due in December) and I am having a c-section, there is no way I am going to risk making any existing tearing worse! The problems I experience are somewhat worse with the increased pressure of the baby but are bearable so far (fingers crossed). From what I've been reading, a straightforward c-section should be far less traumatic than faecal incontinence which is basically a life sentence. ↑
I also had a 3rd degree episiotomy with my first who is now 17 months. I am still suffering from stress incontinence when I exercise, and I think I have a bit of a prolapse because I feel a lot of pressure on my area - esp in the evenings. I can no longer use tampons because they fall right out (devastating). I'm contemplating baby #2 but I don't know if my body can handle it - even if I have a scheduled C section. I'm scared my pelvic floor won't be able to support another baby. Anyone else have a similar experience or any advice? I am seeing Dr's and PT's and kegel about 200x a day but I would definitely like to hear other people's experiences so I know it's not only happening to me. Thanks! ↑
I also had a 3rd degree tear plus torn cervix and extensive vaginal tearing when my son was born (7lbs even).
I am surprised to find little or no mention here of the role pitocin has played in many of these tears. I have a complication-free pregnancy and smooth labor up until the pushing part. I saw my doc pump up the IV drip as she said "this baby will be out in 20 minutes". I pushed exactly 2 times, my son came flying out, and I tore all the way down and needed 2 years to feel normal again.
My docs and other midwives I have talked to are convinced that my tearing was due to the pitocin/epidural. It sped up the labor so much that my tissue had no time to stretch.
I am now thinking about another baby and after reading tons about this, I am leaning towards a vaginal birth with no meds (definitely no pitocin) next time around. I will consult an experienced midwife who can help me to labor more slowly and gently to reduce the possibility of tearing.
I have read many stories of women who have birthed naturally after extensive tearing and most have said they did not tear as badly or at all the second time around. ↑
I know no one has posted on this thread since March, but I had an appointment with the OB yesterday (pregnant with number 2) and he noted that I had a 4th degree tear with my first. Recovery wasn't too bad with it, and I'm not incontinent, although I feel like I can never get my behind clean, if that makes sense (and sorry if tmi!) Anyway, he offered to give a c/s due to the risk of tearing again and becoming incontinent of bowel. I am having a tough time finding out what the real risk is. I guess if I had my druthers, I'd rather have another vaginal delivery with not pitocin this time around. (I agree with Ginger that the pitocin can definitely contribute to many issues!) Of course, I don't want to have some of the issues that the other ladies have gone through here either and I think that it may be better to be safe than sorry, give up the idea of an ideal vaginal delivery this time around and opt for thec/s. I'm so conflicted, but luckily, I have about 13 weeks to decide (he wants me to decide by 30 weeks.) It really seems like a crapshoot, doesn't it? ↑
Wow - I just spent so much time reading all these posts....I found it after googling for people who were deciding whether or not to have a C-section after a 3rd degree tear, which is the same dilemma I'm in now. (currently 14 weeks pregnant) It sounds like there are many advantages/disadvantages to either side, and that you just have to make your own personal decision and know that there are risks involved either way. Right now I must say that I'm leaning toward csection....with my 3rd degree tear, i thankfully have not had any urinary or bowel problems, but i just keep thinking that if something goes wrong this time, i could have severe problems for the rest of my life!! gosh, decisions, decisions...... ↑
Joanne- I'm leaning toward the C/S as well. I'm going to talk to the doc who delivered my son about it, since she was the one who sewed me up post-delivery. I've noticed some differences in how things are functioning "down there" since I got pregnant, so I'm thinking if it's that bad now, how is it going to be if I push out another 7-9 lb kid? ↑
