A little nervous

[Ange80]

Im a little nervous at the moment. I am 35 weeks pregnant with baby no: 3. Had a CS with the last baby due to her size she was 9lb and 15oz and the fact that I had 3rd degree tears with baby no 1 and it tore through my bowel. The doctors said if I tore the same way again I would have to have a bowel reconstruction.

So here is my dilemma. Have moved to a new country town where the doctors are a bit blazae (SP?) and have booked me in to have baby no: 3 at 39w and 2 days by CS. I live over an hour away from the hospital so am worried if i go into labour before this time may not even make it to the hospital.

Im worried about tearing that badly again so am just wanting to know if people have had really bad tears and then gone on to have another natural birth and not tear so bad again?

Also anyone got any tips on how i can try and keep baby in until CS Date?

[Visitor7]

I don't know if you can keep bub in?? But what about bringing the c/s forward, can they do that?

[Ange80]

Nope they won't do that because "All their staff are on holidays"

[Laranna]

If you're wanting to go the natural birth if you go into labour before your scheduled c/s, the only thing I can think of is to try perineum massage. There is also a product called Epi-No which you use from 36 weeks onward. It's like a little balloon that you insert into your vagina and pump up gradually and it is supposed to get everything all ready for the birth to minimise tearing. I've heard really good reviews about it (bought myself one today actually).

As for keeping baby in, that's a hard one. I guess rest up and take it very easy! No lifting or anything like that - very hard to do when you've got other kiddies to think about though.

[Ange80]

Im not really wanting to go the natural birth option but am worried i won't have a choice. I may just look at buying one of those things just in case its iminent as the lifting is a bit hard as my other daughter is only 19 months

[Traveller]

I can understand your nerves. Please be assured that a previous 3rd degree tear is not necessarily an indication that you will get another one so if you do accidentally labour on your own then you are likely to be fine.

My advice would be (and this is of course for the hypothetical situation that you give birth en route to hospital) fight the urge to push, pant like a dog to prevent yourself from pushing. This will slow down the baby's head and give your vagina time to stretch and prepare for the birth. Lying on your back also slows labour (why most women gives birth like this is beyond me) so lying over the back seats of your car might help.

Having a CS later rather than sooner is better for your baby. EDD's are only estimates, and too many CS's have the result of a baby who should have stayed in a little longer. Remember though that if you think labour is imminent (ie you start to get contractions or have a show) then get to hospital asap as I am sure they will be able to bring your op forward under these circumstances.
Good look, and I hope you enjoy the last weeks of your pregnancy

T
xx

[studymum]

If it comes to it and bub comes early and you have to push (they will come when they want i suppose), try doing it in an upright and leaning forward position, it is the most natural position to give birth in and can minimise tearing. If they try to make you lie on your back on the bed like some hospitals do, this is only for their convenience and tell them where to go.

I agree that tearing in an earlier labour is not an indication that you will again, my sis had a 6lb baby and got 3rd degree tears with her first and had over a 9lb baby with her second and not a single stitch, she gave birth to her standing.

Good luck with everything

[Lulu]

Was your first birth a speedy one?

[Ange80]

No lulu first birth was 24hours and she came at 38 weeks. Second baby was overdue by 9 days went into labour and by the time i got to the hospital 45mins after going into labour i was already 4cm dialated. I just have a funny feeling this one is going to come early and quick

[Traveller]

If it comes to it and bub comes early and you have to push (they will come when they want i suppose), try doing it in an upright and leaning forward position, it is the most natural position to give birth in and can minimise tearing. If they try to make you lie on your back on the bed like some hospitals do, this is only for their convenience and tell them where to go.

I agree that tearing in an earlier labour is not an indication that you will again, my sis had a 6lb baby and got 3rd degree tears with her first and had over a 9lb baby with her second and not a single stitch, she gave birth to her standing.

Good luck with everything

Of course, although I said lie on your back in my earlier post, I meant to slow labour en route to hospital. If babe is coming no matter what you do then upright or all fours will help minimise tearing.