Tearing

**SonogLoz** · 17-10-2011 17:31

Hi guys, am just interested to hear how many people had tears or not from natural births. Obviously as a first time mum to be it is one of the things I am worried about, even though I know when it comes down to it you can't predict or do anything about it!

**Guest1234** · 17-10-2011 17:32

I had a graze with both my births.

**Lemonhead** · 17-10-2011 17:35

I had a 4th degree tear. I tore all along my perineum and into the anal sphincter. I tore into the anal muscle and had a fissure afterwards. I had surgery to heal it but it didn't completely fix the problem and now I get some pain every now and then 4 years later.

For the first 2 years it was the worst agony I have ever experienced.

I strongly believe that induction ruined my birth. My baby was forced to come out when he wasn't ready, was coming out the wrong way, got stuck and made my cervix swell then split. Then they finally gave me an epidural 24 hours in and they had to pull him out of me with the vaccum because I had no feeling down there. I cant birth again naturally ever.

I have heard a waterbirth helps, and going as natural as possible.

**Jelly Belly** · 17-10-2011 17:36

I had a natural, drug free (besides 2 paracetamol) birth with my dd ten years ago. I had second degree tears and grazing as well. Painfull yes, but EVERYTHING hurt so i just went with it. Ice packs helped heaps, but it healed pretty quickly.

**SonogLoz** · 17-10-2011 17:37

Oh god lemonhead you poor thing! I really feel for you!

**shinebrite** · 17-10-2011 17:37

I teared all 3 times, 2nd degree extended tears and needed stiches but gas took the pain and edge off, daddy got cuddles and I got a rest. The first time it burnt but the 2nd 2 times I didn't even feel the tearing. I saw an article on the drmomma website that said you can place hot salty watered face washers on to prevent and I was going to try tht 3rd time but they said there was no point as it's pretty weak so will tear which I wasnt that fussed about. I should have done it the 1st time!! I've heard the EPINO? I think thts wat it's called is good as it also kind of prepares you for the stretching feeling you get in birth. Hth

---------
Mummie to
Lucy Alys (July '06)
Minnie Audrey (July '09)
Pippi Violet (oct '11)

**Lemonhead** · 17-10-2011 17:38

If you are interested Loz, google the "Cascade of Intervention" and have a good read about how every medical interference can change your birth. Things like having an epidural and requiring forceps or vaccum can greatly increase your likelihood of tearing.

**Bluest Blue Box** · 17-10-2011 17:49

I used the epi no from 34 weeks and it did help prepare me did the burning stretchy feeling. I still got a 2nd degree tear and needed stitches. I had a 5 hour labour with no drugs.

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**Lock and Lu** · 17-10-2011 17:50

I had a third degree tear with my DD. I had a drug free water birth with absolutely no intervention. I then had to have a spinal block and surgery, but it healed and I was fine. The midwife said her shoulder got me on the last push. I also seriously think it was because I was sitting on my bottom in the bath which is not an ideal birthing position.

During my pregnancy with DS, I researched birthing positions to prevent tearing. I recommend you do the same. I ended up having a second degree tear, despite birthing on my hands and knees with my bum elevated (sorry tmi). again, a few stitches and I'm back together again with no long term issues.

I do think it can depend on so many factors. A friend of mine recently birthed her second baby in the exact same position as her first. She tore with the first but not second - and the second was bigger and faster.

Good luck. I think being conscious of it and doing some research on prevention is a good idea.

**anewme** · 17-10-2011 17:59

I was cut with my first, tore badly with my second, then I found out about perineal massage and haven't torn again even with almost 4 and 1/2 kilo baby and a face presenatation one.

I use almond oil.