thread: 3rd Degree Tears - maybe TMI

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  1. #1
    Registered User

    Nov 2008
    NSW Mid North Coast
    681

    3rd Degree Tears - maybe TMI

    I sustained a 3rd degree tear with DD2 and went for my 6wk check today. I spoke to my doctor in length about functionality and some of the problems i was experiencing with constipation however he didn't examine me at all. I'm wondering if this is normal.
    If you had a 3rd degree tear of more then >50% EAS what kind of support were you offered after? Did you have follow ups with gyno's or anything?
    I'm going to ring him to see if i should have some kind of assessment at 3mths as he said that it often takes this long to establish if there is a problem with continence etc.

    Please offer me some of your experiences with follow ups after this kind of tearing.

  2. #2
    Registered User

    Sep 2008
    Croydon, Victoria
    1,754

    Ive never torn with any of my labours, but i have always been examined at my 6 week check- just to make sure everything is ok. I would have thought he would want to check that you are healing nicely and there is no sign of infection.
    I would go back....

  3. #3
    Registered User
    Add helle on Facebook

    Sep 2008
    Bunbury, Western Australia
    3,963

    I was the same as ubber. I didn't tear but I got a sorta split thing on the outside of my labia (the nurse pressed firmly on it as soon as DS was out and it knitted itself back together so I didn't need stitches thankfully) and my dr still checked that out and I had a pap. I would definitely go back, too.

  4. #4
    Registered User
    Add Little Chicken on Facebook

    Mar 2010
    Melbourne
    1,855

    I think it depends on the doc. My first I had a second degree tear, got asked if everything was ok but no examination. Second I had a third degree, had an appointment with the gyno but she wouldn't have examined me either if I hadn't have had a pap smear at the same time, again it was more if I felt everything was ok.

  5. #5
    Registered User

    Jun 2009
    In a cottage in a wood
    760

    I'd go back if you're worried. I think some doctors can get complacent because they see this kind of thing all the time and 9/10 cases are 'all good' according to them, but you are the 1/1 case for you. If YOU are worried, tell you doctor about your concerns and push for them to check you out. I wish I had've told my doc, pushed more about my concerns. DS is 7 months and I'm still not sure I'm right down there. If everything had've been addressed earlier, I wouldn't be in this situation.

    Personal q: Are your issues with constipation because it hurts so much? My GP told me that what I needed was to let DH take bubs for a bit and to sit down with a good book. Remember to put pressure in between your 'bits' and know that the pain will be brief and it'll help in the long run. Make sure you're hydrated and eating fibre rich foods. Don't rely on laxatives, but I definitely took them. Oh, and don't forget the flushable wipes xxx

    Good luck, pm me if you want to chat x

  6. #6

    Mar 2008
    Where dreams are now reality
    2,318

    I had a 3rd verging on 4th degree tear with DD and I was not letting anyone touch me at my 6 week checkup! I was told to be checked at 6 wks, 3 mths, 6 mths and 1 year. To be honest I was just terrified cause I knew it would hurt too much in hindsight it was stupid not to be checked but I finally had a check 15 mths and a pap smear. I wouldnt be suprised if it does take longer than the 3 months to see if there are issues with incontinance, I know at 3 months I still had very shaky pelvic floor muscles and really only feel like Im almost back to 'normal'. That sort of tearing goes through a lot of layers and tissues and muscles, hun you poor chook. But if you are worried you could request examinations either from your GP or even a womans health nurse.

    HTH

  7. #7
    Registered User
    Add CrazyLady on Facebook

    Aug 2009
    2,328

    Some obs won't examine unless you specifically ask them to check. mine asked if i was happy with how I feel after my stitches and left it at that. My Ob specified it was because women quite often feel like some privacy down there after going through pregnancy/labour Maybe ask to be examined?

  8. #8
    Registered User

    Oct 2007
    Middle Victoria
    8,924

    A physio can help with assessment and exercises for continence issues. Look for a women's/pregnancy physio.

  9. #9
    Registered User

    Aug 2006
    1,074

    I had a 3rd degree tear and was checked to see if all was 'ok' down there. I remember it stinged when he examined me as I hadn't been game enough to look down there. I had a pap smear then too which was difficult and painful. I healed up fine, it took a few weeks but everything is back to normal. I had incontinence but did my pelvic floor exercises at it came back in a few weeks. That was hard to deal with, lucky it wasn't for too long. My ob wasn't very helpful and suggested after my last kid I get it tightened up with a stitch. I really can't believe after how many stitches I had and how bad it was, it all went back to normal. Give yourself time and don't feel to bad and I hope all heals quickly for you. Btw it may give you peace of mind if you arrange for another check up. I wouldve thought the doc would want to check it was ok?