Vaginal Birth or C-section?

Question

I had my first son Nov. of 2014 and ended up having 3rd degree tears that I still suffer from over a year later. I've done my research and it's about 50/50 that I will tear again, or worse or not even at all. I'm honestly terrified of the recovery from tearing, I couldn't enjoy my son for a while because it hurt to sit, stand, lay down and any normal movements send me into a lot of pain. I would really like to opt for a c-section (which I know is painful and is a surgery) because it honestly sounds 100x easier than going through the pain that I went through. Really want opinions about whether I should try for the vaginal delivery again or just opt for the c-section.

NOTE: I've already spoken with my doctor and he is willing to do whatever I'm comfortable with.

Answer

I had a 4th degree tear  with my 1st.. I don't remember my hospital stay (4days long) because of all the drugs I was given for pain.. I was taken to the OR after she was born to be put to sleep so they could fix me.. When I got pregnant with my 2nd they highly suggested a csection. Which I jumped at!! Honestly, the csection was a breeze compared to my tear!! I'll be having my 2nd csection on June and I don't regret for one second choosing a csection over a vaginal birth! If the option is there, take it. I was nervous for my csection of course, but it was smooth and easy. Yes I was uncomfortable for a few days, but I actually remember my recovery stay in the hospital and those first few precious days with my baby.

Answer

Also I think the people who have commented on this post who haven't had a 3rd degree tear don't realise that if you do it again there is a chance you could become incontinent. So being a young woman with a weak bowel or bladder is some thing we have had to really think about during a second pregnancy. And The ones saying it took 6 weeks to recover from having a csection haven't experienced the 16 weeks of living with an open wound invetween your vagina and butt. You can't sit properly, poop, laugh, walk just as much as you can't with a csection. Just because it's 'down there' doesn't mean it heals nicely. Some times a csection is the best option for people who have suffered the trauma of a tear.

Answer

Ftm currently preggo. No experience. Just an opinion.

If you are still having issues with the tear, opt for a c section. Personally, I would rather have pain and numbness in a small line on my tummy than in or around my vagina. Id want to have a shot at that healing fully.

Answer

Im going in for my 5th csection in june. Honestly, they arnt bad. They are quick. Yes you have some restrictions, but it never stopped me from bonding with my baby. You should do what your comfortable with . If i had to choose vaginal, id love to try but my babies had other plans and wouldnt trade it for anything. I got to hold my babies right away too.

Answer

I have never tore or had a c-section. With that said, many things can go wrong with a c-section for you and the baby. 
They are in your abdomen and can nick other organs. The fluid does not get pushed out of the baby's lungs which can cause breathing problems and infections. You run the risk of infection of your incision. My sister still has pain and numbness in her scar 11 years latter. 
I would really think about all the risk bc either way will be painful.

Answer

I understand your hesitation, but the recovery with a c-section can be really bad too. Personally I would try for a vaginal.

Answer

I have had two csections now and the recovery from a csection is a lot to handle. I was in so much pain for almost 6 weeks with my second that we didn't bond properly at first. If I could I would give anything to have a vaginal then have another csection. JMO.

Answer

I tore into my rectum pushing out my first. That was "coached pushing" yelling at me to push push push. Second birth I pushed when I wanted and only at 80%power with my mouth open "Ooing" the whole time. I didn't have any soreness or damage done at all afterward. 
The Sphincter Rule: open mouth=open vagina. Relaxing those pelvic muscles is the whole name of the game. 
I hope you can have a smooth vaginal delivery next time! Don't be scared!

Answer

I had to have a c section with my first and I am hoping so hard that this time baby and my body will both cooperate so that I can have a vaginal birth.

The epidural made me sleepy and gave me the shakes. The process itself was scary to me because I had never had any type of surgery in my life but my healing process was really easy.

Answer

I had a 3rd degree tear but mine was 3 years ago. My consultant has said because I don't have any long lasting symptoms (can hold wind and poo, sorry tmi!) then it's fine to give birth vaginally again. If you are still having problems or pain in your scar I would say definitely go for a csection! I've also heard you recover far quicker from a section - took me almost 5 months for my wound down there to heal so I understand why you would opt for a section this time around! Good luck xx

Vaginal Birth or C-section?

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