Prefer Tearing??

HI All,

I sustained a 2nd degree (although, I belive it might have been VERY close to a 3rd) tear with my first baby. I was very stressed and emotionally upset about it for a time, but now I must admit all is fine.

Here is my question - my OB specifically told me that he NEVER cuts an episiotomy (unless an emergency) and prefers to let women tear naturally. Now, most of my friends had epis, opposed to tears, and all said their OBs professed that epis are better than spontaneous tearing. Im just wondering if anyone out there knows what benefit my OB (who is very well regarded in the birth world, I might add) may see in spontaneous tearing? I tore straight down the middle, whereas most epis tend to be cut an an angle, and I cant help but think that the straight tear I had is located in the weakest spot, and therefore, most like to re-tear next time. I dont necessarily want a c/s next time, but Im just so afraid of tearing badly!

Any input?

Id prefer to tear then be cut.....god i hope i dont re-tear again....ive heard alot of OB's or dr's say they prefer a tear then a cut..but have never questioned why.

I guess, if you cut, then there's definitely a wound. If you don't cut it's possible there will be some tearing which might create less damage than an epi.

Having said that I too sustained a pretty bad 2nd degree tear, took 18 months before it stopped hurting! But I can't say for sure than an epi would have been any better, IYKWIM?

At my childbirth classes they likened cutting to putting a snip in material - its easier to tear further than if you try and tear it without cutting first IYKWIM?? Hope that makes sesne. Not sure about second time around though.

Yeah...I've heard that same thing as Tan (ie. material analogy).

Apparently tears heal better than cuts...so it sounds like your Ob knows what he's doing...

All the best!

The research indicates that a naturally occurring tear heals faster, and with less scarring, than an episiotomy. It is unfortunate that your friends OBs are not up to date with their reseacrh, but it sounds like yours is on the money.

Hi,

I have had both an epi and a 2nd degree tear. The epi was for a forceps delivery by one of my obs partners as she was away. I would definitely prefer the tear, it healed much quicker and was far less painful.

I had both for my first DD (I was cut and I tore, thanks to the vaccuum - bub was stuck), and it took ages to heal and was sooooo painful.

This time I was only cut, and it healed much quicker - they cut where the scar was from last time, and going by what my GP said, they did a pretty good job with it. When the ob was stitching me up she said that it was much easier to stitch up a cut, and I was a "perfect example" of an easy one to stitch! She even held up the mirror so I could see her handiwork. YUK!!!

Maybe it all depends on where it happens?? I think mine's in the middle, and this time round was much much better than the last time.

Thanks everyone for your wise feedback:) Im glad to hear that others have heard of tearing advocated for over an epi. After more thought I realised the friends of mine whose OBs prefered epis are all a bit older and perhaps undertake some of the more old school practices if you know what I mean.
Thanks as always:)

I haven't read everyones posts but here is my opinion.

I was told that tears heal quicker than episiotomy because epis usually go through muscle and skin whereas if you tear it's usually just the skin. I tore with my first, 2nd degree and it healed in about 3 weeks. I also had a 2nd degree tear with my second but it wasn't anywhere near as bad, it healed in less than a week.

i also would rather tear because while birthing i never knew i tore until they told me after the birth. If i had to have an epi i'd be scared because i'd know about it, IYKWIM?

I have heard that the reason Obs prefer epis is because they are easier to stitch up.

I've heard that too - epi's are easier to stitch, tears heal faster. I opted not to get my tear stitched (was only 1st degree, just into the muscle by a few millimetres) and though it doesn't look "neat" as it did before it sure works fine! ;-)

Hana