[#1]

Hi all,

I was just reading the 'birth second time around' discussion and noticed lots of people seem to know whether they had 2nd or 3rd degree tears. I had a failed ventouse and eventually an episiotomy and forceps delivery first time around. The doctor wouldn't tell me the size of the cut as she claimed it is not procedure to divulge that sort of information. It took me almost a year to feel comfortable 'downstairs' again, and I still get twinges where I think the scar is. Is this normal and should I have insisted on knowing the size of the episiotomy? I'm very worried the whole thing will happen again when I have my second baby in march.

Kira

[#2]

Hi all,

I was just reading the 'birth second time around' discussion and noticed lots of people seem to know whether they had 2nd or 3rd degree tears. I had a failed ventouse and eventually an episiotomy and forceps delivery first time around. The doctor wouldn't tell me the size of the cut as she claimed it is not procedure to divulge that sort of information. It took me almost a year to feel comfortable 'downstairs' again, and I still get twinges where I think the scar is. Is this normal and should I have insisted on knowing the size of the episiotomy? I'm very worried the whole thing will happen again when I have my second baby in march.

Kira

[#3]

Hiya,
My doctor was very helpful in telling exactly what happened, and it was quite similar to yours. I had a failed ventouse, then episiotomy and it extended to a third degree tear. They wouldnt have told me anything if it had only been an episiotomy, but because the tear almost went to 4th degree through my bottom I had to know the facts to receive physio. They way she explained it the day after was 'you have had a bad tear, it is a rather large third degree, 4th degree is the worst level,' I'll always remember those words (and cross my legs!)

My own scarring was quite extensive although healed really well, but I totally understand the sensation you're feeling on the scar too. It took over 10 months to feel normal again, but there are many many stories of women who have had hard first births coming out relatively unscathed from their second birth.

Best of luck
Louisex

[#4]

Thank you Louise. I guess I didn't tear then! I think she did make quite a large cut though, as Freya's head was stuck in an awkward position. I was on the observation ward overnight because I lost a lot of blood. Almost fainted taking a shower the next day. However, I realise this is nothing particularly out of the ordinary. Just wondered why I wasn't allowed to know the length of the cut.

Bizarrely I'm looking forward to the second birth!

Thanks again.

Kira

[#5]

Hiya

On my first delivery i had a 2nd degree tear but lost 1200 mls of blood, i'm pregenant again and wondering what will happen this time.
Hope the rest of your PG goes well
love
cheryl