Did you tear again with other pregnancies?

I had an episiotomy with my first, tore a little and grazed with my second and with my third I has a small tear that required like one stitch. So each time was less and less but I do have fast labours - first baby, I was induced and he was out in under 4hrs, second went from contracting at home to being out within 15mins of arriving at hospital - he was so fast he also had blood shot eyes from the pressure for 3wks and my 3rd I went from 4cm/4 in 10 contractions to baby in my arms in less than an hour. So that does play a part. With my second & third they placed a warm wet face washer over my perineal area to help with tearing and you can also do perineal massages with oils in the weeks leading up to your due date as it can help. Given that you have (I’m assuming) a 3yo, a c-section I feel would be harder. My oldest turned 3 today, 2 is 2 in June and my baby is 10wks tomorrow - I couldn’t imagine trying to keep up with my boys & manage a baby all by myself on top of a section.

I have only had one baby so can’t comment personally, however when my mum had my brother she had to have 36 stitches and had a 4th degree tear. She went on to have my brother 2 years later and needed stitches but not anything like the first, and she only had 1 stitch with me last. I personally wouldn’t be pushed for a section because of tearing but you’ve got to do what’s best for you! X

@Shannice thank you, I will refuse a c-section i probably will risk the chances hoping that it doesn’t happen again just wanted stories that people didnt experience it again x i was so close to a 4th degree tear 😂 im glad your mum didnt have it happen again and it got better the more children she had that’s reassuring Im planning on being in a different position to try make it easier on me, i was on my back with my son so unsure if that also added to my tear

@Lauren so hard isn’t it, I had a second degree tear and it makes me cringe to think about it but like you said I feel like the recovery from that would be better than a c section?? Did you try the perineal massage before hand? Worth a go! X

@Shannice yeah i did the massages and everything, it makes me feel sick that i tore like that 😂 it just felt like pressure if i stood up like everything was about to fall out

I had an episiotomy and second degree tear with my first. Recovery was incredibly painful and difficult. 2 and a half years later I had another second degree tear (in the same place) but without the episiotomy and recovery was a doddle in comparison. Much quicker and less painful x

I had a 4th degree year with my first baby back in 2008 In 2013 I had what’s classed as a 2nd degree which was like 2 stitches. Last baby was 2019 and it was a graze. So I wouldn’t be worrying too much as goes to show that just because you have one doesn’t mean it’ll happen again xxx

I had a 3rd degree tear with my son (a 3c, with an episiotomy and ventouse delivery). I had my daughter last year and I did have a 2 degree. I saw a consultant and was offered a c section but I decided I didn't want the recovery time. I ended up being induced at 41 weeks. There wasn't any pressure to have a c section, I declined, he offered induction at 39 weeks, which I ended up declining too. If you don't want one, you don't have to agree, but it's an option

I’ve tore and had stitches both times

Asked heal baby care app and sharing in case it helps: "It's completely understandable to feel anxious about the possibility of tearing again during delivery, especially after your previous experience. While a third-degree tear can happen again, many women do have different experiences with subsequent births. Some factors that can influence tearing include the baby's size, your body's response to labor, and the delivery method. If you're hoping to avoid a c-section, consider discussing options with your healthcare team, such as labor positions, perineal massage, or controlled pushing techniques, which may help reduce the risk of tearing. Recovery from a c-section can indeed be more challenging for some, as it involves healing from surgery, while recovery from a tear can vary widely among individuals. Have you had a chance to explore any specific techniques or support options that might help you during labor this time?"

Sounds like your pelvic floor may of been very tight. Maybe goto your pt again to see if they can prescribe you some stretch and releasing techniques. I see a lot of moms says they don't tear with 2nd baby, but each social media site has different demographic. A tight pelvic floor is a pelvic floor that's in the way. So worth checking at the least