Second degree tear, will I tear again?

Question

Hey Ladies,
I just gave birth to my daughter on 12th Oct and my husband and I are already discussing plans for the future. 
We want to have a big family, 3 or 4 children if we can though we are taking things one step at a time. 
I’ve had a pretty nasty 2nd degree tear with my daughter and got quite a lot of internal and external stitches. 
Are you more likely/prone to tear in future labours? Also how long should you ideally wait before having another baby? 
If we wanted to start trying again from January onwards and have a second baby very close together in age with our first, is there a minimum amount of time to wait to allow for the stitches and wound to heal properly? 
Thanks in advance! Xx

Answer

I had 2nd degree tearing with my first birth and I had no tearing with my second birth and there was only 12 months between my two deliveries.

Answer

I had a 4th(!!) degree tear with my first, but no tearing with my second. I think it was the doctor that made the difference. The doctor who delivered my first was not particularly kind, clearly trying to rush me, and very “C section happy”. The doctor who delivered my second was very relaxed, let me take my time while pushing, and the whole experience was so much better.

Answer

I tore a teeny bit with my first like maybe six stitches. My second I had a 3rd degree only because he was too big with shoulder dystocia and the mad panic that followed trying to get him delivered. If his little shoulder hadn’t got stuck I don’t think I would have tore so bad if any at all.

Answer

I'm not sure what degree tear I had with my first baby, he was 7lbs 12oz but I had a 9lb 1oz baby the second time and I had no tears! It's possible

Answer

I had a pretty intense 2nd degree tear with my first, and did have another 2nd degree tear with my second but it was in a completely different spot.
No idea about how long to wait, but I do know my tear after my first was sore with sex until 4 months PP so I would’ve been terrified of pregnancy that quick. I would’ve preferred to go into a new pregnancy with more muscle strength down there. But we all heal differently so hard to say how it’ll go for you.

Answer

I had a 2nd degree with my 1st. 
And only a first degree with my second

Answer

So from what I read, yes scar tissue tears easier, so you are more likely. But does not mean you will! I had 3rd degree tears with my first son (forceps delivery so I can’t say how bad it would have been without). He was 8lbs 13 ounces, but was stuck in my pelvis. My second son they offered a csection because with shoulder dystocia, it is more likely to occur again and it has risks and bad tearing of course can cause long term issues. But I chose to try vaginally again, and my second birth was so great. He was 10lbs! And I didn’t need 1 stitch. He didn’t get stuck, I pushed for like 25 mins compared to 3.5 hours with my first. I truly believe the baby’s positioning and readiness plays a big factor. I was 6 days over due with my second, but when he was ready it was so easy! Wishing you the best of luck!

Answer

I would ask my doctor about that. All my kids are 4 yrs apart. I've only had small tears and they were over 8/9 lbs. I wouldn't try again this soon without letting my body heal first. It takes 1-2yrs to heal properly after birth.

Second degree tear, will I tear again?

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