https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Mon, 13 Jul 2026 09:24:29 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/induction-to-avoid-tearing/page/2#post-2822397 Mon, 14 May 2018 14:18:35 +0000 bees_knees 2822397@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@yellowbeach: thanks! I totally forgot to come update this thread!</p> <p>DS3 was born in January via induction. He came out about 1/2 lb less than his brothers (he was born a week earlier than them). I don’t know how much that helped? My induction when VERY smoothly, besides some technical difficulties with my epidural (which resulted in the nurses TURNING IT OFF...soooo no epidural at the end. Cool)</p> <p>I only pushed twice and ended up with a second degree tear just where I had scar tissue. It was a MUCH easier recovery than my other two deliveries...I told my OB right after LO was born “I’m so thankful I didn’t opt for a CS!” </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/induction-to-avoid-tearing/page/2#post-2822325 Mon, 14 May 2018 10:07:14 +0000 misolee 2822325@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I’ve since had my 3rd (she’s two months). I had a 3rd degree tear (almost 4th). I am still recovering. Recovery was and still is much harder than with my LO1 csec and my LO2 vbac. If I could go back knowing what I know now, I would seriously consider csec. She was also 9 lbs and 3 oz. and sunny side but I ended up delivering her with forceps to get her out. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/induction-to-avoid-tearing#post-2822321 Mon, 14 May 2018 09:45:47 +0000 yellowbeach 2822321@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Bees_Knees: I'm curious what you decided. I assume the 3 mo listed in your profile was this birth in question. I don't have any experience with CS or tears but just wanted to say MAN you are a trooper. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/induction-to-avoid-tearing#post-2822310 Mon, 14 May 2018 09:18:02 +0000 Sams Mom 2822310@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I have never been in labor, so take this for what its worth. My son was born via elective c-section.I had my c-section because I had a list of small problems that kept adding up; polyhydraminos, starting to test positive for proteins with highish blood pressure, large for gestational age (9 lbs 8 oz, 22" w/ a 15 1/2" head at a week early), breech, and he ended up having a nuchal cord 2x at birth but don't know how much could have come from that.</p> <p>It sucked, but it was not miserable. I don't know if I hyped myself up so much expecting to be miserable, but it wasn't bad. I was up and walking sometime after moving from recovery to my room in the first day just so I could get the catheter out (the nurses said I should keep it in because then I wouldn't have to get out of bed to pee, that was not a selling point for me)</p> <p>You do have to change some of your movements in the beginning, but it wasn't terrible. The worse part was the first postpartum poop, and I imagine its pretty terrible with all the perineum repair you have had to have too. If your tears have got progressively worse with each child, I would go for the c-section. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/induction-to-avoid-tearing#post-2822271 Mon, 14 May 2018 07:31:01 +0000 peachykeen 2822271@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I had 2 inductions and tore both times (in the same place), but the second recovery was SO much better. I felt pretty fantastic after my 2nd birth even though I'm told I tore the same amount along the same lines. I healed more quickly (the first time I wasn't fully cleared at 6 weeks) and never really felt much pain from the tearing.</p> <p>That said - you've already had 2 babies and tore worse the 2nd time. I would personally go into this with the assumption that you're going to tear as badly as the second time. It's possible that it could be better or worse than that, but that's the assumption I'd make to help me make my decision. </p> <p>I'd probably go with the C-section over the induction, though. I feel like it's unlikely baby will be THAT much bigger a few days later (since they shouldn't/won't induce until 39 weeks) and inductions can be miserable or lead to sections anyway. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/induction-to-avoid-tearing#post-2822253 Mon, 14 May 2018 03:29:19 +0000 agold 2822253@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Just thought I would add my experience to this thread. Delivery of my first girl caused me a painful 4th degree tear. I switched OBs and new OB suggested c section for second delivery. She told me there was a risk of fecal incontinenance if I had another 4th degree tear. Yikes. I did consider c section briefly but chose to roll the dice. My second girl was one whole pound bigger than my first, but still so much easier to deliver - jusy a first degree tear. Also a labia tear that required two stichtes. It’s still painful but nothing like the 4th degree tear. Phew. Best of luck with whatever was decided! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/induction-to-avoid-tearing#post-2782786 Sat, 28 Oct 2017 18:29:34 +0000 Pollywog 2782786@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I had bad tearing (cervix and labia). In talking to my midwife, the best way to prevent it next time is to go into labor naturally, let your body labor naturally (especially in the water), and birth without an epidural. She absolutely does not recommend a C section and she said the problem with induction is that you'll likely need the epidural because pitocin sucks. That increases the risk that you can't feel your contractions and you tear. </p> <p>In my case the tearing happened because we realized my kid should have been an automatic c section while he was crowning. I was given 4 minutes to get him out before having forceps or a x section under general. I was working against my body because I absolutely did not want general.</p> <p>The no C-section was because it is major surgery and in general, I've shown I can birth quite fine without it. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/induction-to-avoid-tearing#post-2782698 Sat, 28 Oct 2017 01:25:13 +0000 turquoisemama 2782698@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@bees_knees: I have not had a c section but I did listen to an interesting podcast about pelvic floor recovery and I was surprised to learn that even c sections can cause pelvic floor issues because all of the muscles are connected. The person recommended talking to your doctor about how they stitch up a c section incision because some do it all in one big chunk and others stitch each layer separately. Tears are aweful, I had a couple with my first, but I can’t imagine a c section. Have you researched pereneal massage? I’m sure it wouldn’t prevent 100% but it can help reduce tearing. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/induction-to-avoid-tearing#post-2782692 Fri, 27 Oct 2017 23:10:47 +0000 bees_knees 2782692@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@2littlepumpkins: yeah good point!!</p> <p>@Kemma: good advice! I was on my back both times...although I pushed in multiple positions with LO1 (for 3.5 hours 🙄) </p> <p>@LindsayLou: why do you think your second baby was so much smaller? Did you go overdue with your first?</p> <p>@Mrs. Champagne: the sympathy thing is huuuge. I wish it wasn’t...but like how do I tell my father in law that he needs to help me with this particular task because MY VAGINA HURTS!! Haha. People just don’t get it, and then you feel guilty asking for help all the time. </p> <p>@JennyPenny: Thanks! Def something to think about that I hadn’t even considered!</p> <p>@delight: ugh sounds awful (and familiar). Isn’t it crazy how our bodies can finally heal themselves though?! Amazing really. </p> <p>Thank you EVERYONE for your comments. I wish I had the energy to reply to you all; your stories and advice are much appreciated :heart: </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/induction-to-avoid-tearing#post-2782682 Fri, 27 Oct 2017 21:24:39 +0000 delight 2782682@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>My first delivery was uneventful and also was stitched up in a matter of minutes. Piece of cake! No troubles with recovery. My second decided to surprise me with being breech during induction and I made the decision in the heat of the moment to deliver him that way. Like you, I was stitched up for 1.5 hours after a 3rd degree episiotomy. I was in so much pain for weeks that I did not enjoy the early days. I had to take so many pills and concoctions just to be able to poop. I didn't leave the house other than a doctor's appointment for weeks. At the one month mark I could finally walk down the street a few houses. It took 6 months to be pain free and thankfully a year later all is normal down there.<br /> That being said, my girlfriends who have had CS all seemed to have a much better recovery. Honestly, if given the choice the next time around (not that we are planning on more) I would strongly consider a CS. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/induction-to-avoid-tearing#post-2782669 Fri, 27 Oct 2017 19:57:30 +0000 JennyPenny 2782669@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I had an uneventful vaginal delivery with DS1. I know I had stitches but they never mentioned a severity of year so it probably wasn't too bad. I had a pretty easy recovery. DS2 was a scheduled c-section because he was breech and that was an even easier recovery. I felt great! BUT I'm still gonna try for a vbac with #3 because I feel like I missed a lot not being able to hold my baby right after he was born with the c-section. It bugs me a lot more than I expected. For me, I'd choose the physical pain over the emotional, but only you can guess which you might prefer. I just wanted to bring up the non-recovery aspect of a c-section. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/induction-to-avoid-tearing#post-2782666 Fri, 27 Oct 2017 19:42:50 +0000 Mamatimes3 2782666@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I've had three c sections and they are by no means easy. But as someone else said, you know what you are getting. The thought of long term or permanent damage to my lady bits is what made me get a c section in the 1st place. My 1st was close to 11 pounds at 39 weeks. My OB offered a c section and I took it. One thing she said stuck with me. After all is said and done, you want to be in tact. I had a co worker whose wife had a similar size baby and a vaginal birth and she needed surgery years later. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/induction-to-avoid-tearing#post-2782665 Fri, 27 Oct 2017 19:37:14 +0000 Mrs. Champagne 2782665@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@bees_knees: I had a bad third degree tear with my son and a horrible recovery. I was scared of incontinece issues.<br /> I had a c section with my second. Easy. I cannot imagine tearing that bad again. With a c section too people understand you're sore and help more than with a vaginal, in my experience any way.</p> <p>ETA: for my second she was put right on my chest right away. After a bit she went with DH for skin to skin with him while I was closed up. Ask for immediate skin to skin! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/induction-to-avoid-tearing#post-2782659 Fri, 27 Oct 2017 16:20:18 +0000 littleblessings 2782659@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>With what you’re saying I would opt for the C-Section. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/induction-to-avoid-tearing#post-2782651 Fri, 27 Oct 2017 14:32:52 +0000 LindsayLou 2782651@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I had a 3rd degree tear with my first. I don’t know how long it took to stitch up, but I remember that a specialist came in to determine if it was 3rd or 4th degree. My second baby was a pound and a half smaller and had a much smaller head. I also only pushed for 5 minutes, vs 2 hours. I had one tiny tear that didn’t need any stitches. Recovery was a breeze compared to the first time.</p> <p>My mom had 3 babies. Episiotomy with the first, bad tear with the second, minor tear with no stitches with her 3rd—a 10 lb baby. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/induction-to-avoid-tearing#post-2782650 Fri, 27 Oct 2017 14:21:00 +0000 2littlepumpkins 2782650@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@bees_knees: hmm I don't know if a big head would be helped by maybe a week earlier induction? I'd def ask. I tore and my babies had relatively tiny heads so I can only imagine. Hoping for the best for you!! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/induction-to-avoid-tearing#post-2782645 Fri, 27 Oct 2017 14:03:28 +0000 Kemma 2782645@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@bees_knees: what position were you in when you delivered your babies? I'd be asking your medical team for advice on preventing the tears (perenial massage (sp), optimal foetal positioning), birthing upright, water birth) rather than going straight for the c-section or induction. Are you also able to get a copy of the notes for your previous deliveries so you can possibly do things differently this time around?</p> <p>But otherwise I get it, one of my best friends chose a c section over a vaginal birth because the recovery from her first birth was awful! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/induction-to-avoid-tearing#post-2782640 Fri, 27 Oct 2017 13:52:46 +0000 bees_knees 2782640@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Thank you, everyone, for your stories and advice! I’m kind of hoping the baby decides for me (wishful thinking!). My big babies also have big heads (85-90 percentile) which yeah, is probably more the issue. I think for now I will discuss it again with the other OB and go from there! I’ve got some time to mull it over. </p> <p>Meanwhile, just heard from a friend who had her baby...induced last night, got an epidural, slept until 4 this morning, woke up fully dilated and pushed him out effortlessly. #sojealous </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/induction-to-avoid-tearing#post-2782636 Fri, 27 Oct 2017 13:48:07 +0000 Mrsbells 2782636@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@bees_knees: ah gotcha! Well I had a rough experience with my failed induction and the c-section recovery was tough for me. But I dont have experience with tearing to know which would be the lesser of two evils </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/induction-to-avoid-tearing#post-2782635 Fri, 27 Oct 2017 13:37:03 +0000 Littlebit7 2782635@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@jape14: you hit the nail on the proverbial huge head. I think head size matters as much as, if not more than the weight of the baby. My kid was off the charts with a huge head but was a very normal 7 lb, 7 oz. I tore. It was awful. And such a prolonged recovery...sex was really painful for 6 months? More? I can't even remember. It's like I blacked that out. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/induction-to-avoid-tearing#post-2782627 Fri, 27 Oct 2017 13:12:23 +0000 jape14 2782627@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I haven't had a c-section but I did break my tailbone delivering my first vaginally (induced at 41+1, DS was 8lbs5oz/21in but with an off-the-charts head). Recovery was terrible - I was on vicodin for three straight weeks, used those hospital ice packs for a longgg time, and couldn't sit down comfortably for 4-5 months. I had a second vaginal delivery with DD (went into labor naturally at 40+5, she was 8lbs7oz/21.5 in but "only" 83rd percentile head) and it went really, really well. In my case it really did seem to be the size of the head vs. the overall size! The induction itself went really smoothly and was fairly mild, so it's hard for me to believe that was the difference maker. (I also had mild second degree tears with both deliveries.)</p> <p>If we were going for a third and I had broken my tailbone a second time, I would probably be speaking to my doctor about the possibility of a c-section. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/induction-to-avoid-tearing#post-2782610 Fri, 27 Oct 2017 12:34:55 +0000 Mrs. Lemon-Lime 2782610@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>my c-section recovery was easy breezy. I was not a candidate for induction because the baby didn't drop and my cervix never ripened. For people that I heard about, mainly my husband's coworkers, they all had painful induction that landed them in the hospitals for days on end before their babies came. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/induction-to-avoid-tearing#post-2782607 Fri, 27 Oct 2017 12:29:23 +0000 Happygal 2782607@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@bees_knees: that is tough! I hate these types of decisions and would be torn if I was in your shoes. I had a somewhat similar situation where I had to decide if I was going to do a repeat csection or go for a VBAC. My doctor had been supportive of the VBAC the entire pregnancy, but my baby packed on the weight right at the end and he wasn't pleased with her size versus my pelvis.</p> <p>Here's the thing: you can get "my csection was great!" and "my csection was the worst thing ever!" stories ALL DAY LONG. So these shouldn't be what you base your decision on. Instead, I would advise to pick the doctor you've worked the most with and have a close relationship with and go with that. Birth is unpredictable and there are no guarantees. </p> <p>I will share that in the end, I went with the repeat csection. It wasn't until they lifted her out at a hefty 9.2 pounds and measured her head (a full inch+ bigger than average!) that I felt a sense of relief for going with the csection. And even then, there was a wee little part of me that wishes I had gotten to experience labor. If she had been a little thing, I probably would have cried and thought I should have tried for a VBAC. But my doctor was right, and I'm glad he kept us both safe. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/induction-to-avoid-tearing#post-2782598 Fri, 27 Oct 2017 12:13:59 +0000 Revel 2782598@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I had a 4th degree tear with my first - an hour of stitches. I gather I am unusual in that I don't have a negative view of that delivery or my recovery, but I was uncomfortable for quite a while.</p> <p>With my second I was offered a c-section because of my tear history. When I pressed as to why, my midwives said it wasn't that I was guaranteed to tear again, but more that if the first birth was traumatic for mom, it can be difficult to go through that again. Plus the risk of lasting physical effects mentioned by PP, though I wasn't sold that my risk was that much higher than in any other vaginal birth when I was looking for research, and my midwives did not mention it to me.</p> <p>I ended up with a first degree tear with my second, even though baby was 1lb 4 oz larger and was delivered faster. Recovery was much easier.</p> <p>I didn't vote because I think the decision is individual. I felt strongly that for me, I did not want a scheduled c-section so I was comfortable rolling the dice. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/induction-to-avoid-tearing#post-2782584 Fri, 27 Oct 2017 11:56:37 +0000 justjules 2782584@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I had a CS and a VBAC with 2nd degree tearing. My c section was a million times worse. I couldn’t walk for weeks, was in constant pain. It was horrible. With my vbac, there was discomfort but nothing like the cs. I depends on the person though cause some people had very normal c section recoveries. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/induction-to-avoid-tearing#post-2782575 Fri, 27 Oct 2017 11:37:21 +0000 ShootingStar 2782575@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I've had two c-sections and I really didn't think the recovery was that bad. I have nothing to compare it to, but every time I've read stories here about severe tearing, I've felt that my CS was not as difficult. </p> <p>The first day or two are the toughest, and for my first one it was hard to figure out how to get out of bed without it being painful. For me it helped to have the hospital bed really high so I could just slide my legs over and be pretty much standing. Versus being in a sitting position and having to use my muscles to get to standing.</p> <p>Both times I was given percocet and rx ibuprofen and by the 10 day mark I was done with both of them, both times. As another poster pointed out, moving the first couple days was painful sometimes, but in general I was not in constant pain. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/induction-to-avoid-tearing#post-2782556 Fri, 27 Oct 2017 10:38:05 +0000 bakingdoodle 2782556@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@bees_knees: I didn't get a CS: my daughter made the choice for me and arrived super quick... i.e crowning in the ambulance....and delivered after 3 pushes at the hospital.</p> <p>Looking at what happened previous times for you, I personally would choose a CS. Were both babies early, or late, or on their due dates? One of my friends had an emergency CS after a failed induction at 42wks. Baby was too big. She had a RCS because she knew her body would probably not go on labor on its own... and scheduling wise, it was just easier... and she recovered very quickly....(compared to the first time) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/induction-to-avoid-tearing#post-2782555 Fri, 27 Oct 2017 10:37:16 +0000 erinbaderin 2782555@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I've had two scheduled c sections, and had easy recoveries with both. My neighbour had two vaginal births with serious tearing both times (I think 4th degree?) and had a TERRIBLE time - the first time, especially, she had to have two follow-up surgeries. </p> <p>I think a c section is tough, and it's major surgery, but at least you know what you're getting. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/induction-to-avoid-tearing#post-2782553 Fri, 27 Oct 2017 10:26:57 +0000 misolee 2782553@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@bees_knees</p> <p>I’m due in early March so I have some time but still. I actually contemplated this with my second too. My first was a big baby at almost 9 pounds. So my doctor suggested I schedule a csec at the same time as my first and if I went into labor before then to try a vbac. I didn’t have much choice bc he came couple of weeks early, fast and furious. Like I felt contractions at 2am, got to hospital around 3:30am and then had him by 5. They didn’t even have time to give me epidural. I was told to push as soon as I arrived. I briefly got scared and asked for a csec but I was told that bc it was too late, I would be under whole body anesthesia if I really wanted a csec. So vbac it was and even though it was successful, it hurt. A lot. For months. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/induction-to-avoid-tearing#post-2782551 Fri, 27 Oct 2017 10:24:00 +0000 youboots 2782551@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I had a 44 hour emergency induction and was offered a section several times. I only had one tear. I was very open to having a section and if we have another child I’d be inclined to just go for it considering it’s likely I’d have pre e and/or GD again. It’s not the same reasons you are considering but I think an ‘elective’ c section is totally reasonable. </p>