Ask the Question

zoeknowles · Joined: 29 Mar 2007 Posts: 1 Location: NW England

Hi

I am pregnant with my 2nd child and I had a third degree tear during my first delivery. I now have stress urine incontinance, as well as pain during intercourse. I also have a flap of skin left over, almost as if I wasn't stiched correctly? I was told by my midwife that it was my fault that I got the tear as I pushed hard following the non-pushing as the head crowned. I only pushed hard as the midwife told me to 'push' and didn't tell me to push gently... so I went ahead and pushed!

I had an epidural during this delivery, but no forceps etc. Also my first was 9lb 9oz.

Following this delivery I was told that I may be offered a C Section during any subsequent pregnancies, but it appears that the decision is being left to me. I don't know whether to opt for the C Section or risk having another tear. My views are that I don't want major surgery as I have a 2 year old to look after, however I would rather do this than risk incontinance.

Does anyone have any advice?

Many thanks
Zoya

Lisareid · Joined: 22 Mar 2007 Posts: 12 Location: Edinburgh

I couldn't comment on your situation, but I had a section about 2 years ago and sincerly wish that I didn't have to! Mad

I now have a scar from hip to hip, my stomach muscles have never been the same since and well lets just say that I have a 'pouch' of skin which over hangs the scar. Embarassed

Cosmetic things I know, but my confidence has taken a huge blow and although I exercise a few times a week, I don't believe that I'll ever fully 'recover' from the section. Sad