Elective C Section After 3rd Degree Episiotomy?

I had a 3rd degree episiotomy two years ago with my first child.  It was a horrible experience and it took me about 8 months before my bottom stopped hurting.  I'm still suffering from both urinary and fecal incontinence and mild prolapse.  I'm wondering if having an elective c section would be the way to go with my second child.  I don't want my incontinence or prolapse to worsen and I definitely don't want another 3rd degree episiotomy or tear.  I've read that an elective c section may not be protective against incontinence.   Anyone else out there have a similar situation/experience or suggestion?  Thanks!

[peekawho]

I would do it.  Just my personal opinion.

A C/S may not offer you full protection against future incontinence or prolapse of the pelvic organs...but if you have another traumatic delivery, you may indeed be likely to have such an outcome.

We do C/S's for this reason fairly often.  I see it as a valid choice.  

[AndiJ78]

I had a 3rd degree with my first and was terrified of a repeat with my second. So much so I was all but begging for a c/s. Ended up have a bigger baby and simply one stitch in the opposite direction. But I did not battle the incontinence issue, just standing to pee and poo for 6 weeks. Peek is a far better authority, but I did want you to know that a bad one the first time doesn't mean a bad one the second (or even third)

Good luck!

[peekawho]

No, it doesn't necessarily mean you will have a bad outcome, but if you do, with a history of two extensive tears into the rectum, you will not be having much fun when you are my age ;)

I think I'd even choose a section over a broken tailbone and standing to pee and poo for 6 weeks, Andi!    

[AndiJ78]

Meh, 19 mos later and that damn thing still aches (the tailbone) but I was rewarded with a super easy baby the third time around. Given how much they stretched out my uterus I am still expecting to be 50 years old, grocery shopping, sneeze and find my uterus on the floor. Like a car losing its transmission on the highway ;-)

[chinesebones]

Andi, you crack me up!  I laughed so loud I almost woke the baby (who is finally asleep!)

[2ndBaby]

Just from my own experience, I would have the c/s.  My first baby was only 6 lb 12 oz and I had a 3rd degree tear that seemed to take forever to heal.  Five years later I had an 8 lb 4 oz baby that resulted in another third degree tear.  That was 8 months ago and I still ache at night somtimes and have small issues with urinary incontinence as well.

[mysty2001]

I had a terible thrid degree tear (baby was in distress and they panicked) - took forever to heal

I was terrified of another tear - but no way I want the pain and healing time of a c section

next baby it was a breeze - she slid right out

next two were easy too - the doc did cut me a little but the stitches were pretty easy

c section is serious business - good luck with decision

[Trialanderror]

A male co-worker once said: "The first one cuts the trail".

[mlb1234]

Hilarious!!!  What we women go through for our precious children...LOL!!

[AndiJ78]

Yeah, they are worth it though! All 8+lbs, all worth the trauma in the end (no pun intended...okay maybe a little!)

[TinaQ256]

If you went through anything anywhere near close to the pain I went through with a 4th degree episiotomy....I would DEF. go with a C-Section!  

I agree that it is a serious surgery, but having horrible pain in your RECTUM and VAGINA for years MUST be worse than dealing with 6-8 wks of pain from a c-section scar!

I would take the pain of healing in my tummy from a c-section ANYDAY over the pain I deal with to this day from having a 4th degree episiotomy.

After delivering a 10lb 9oz baby....my 2nd will absolutely be delivered by c-section.  I made sure when I chose my new OB/Gyn, that he was fully aware that I wanted one when I have my future children.  He agreed...if he didn't, I would've searched for a new dr.

Just my opinion :)

[Twons]

Thanks for all of your suggestions and comments.  I'm currently 10 weeks with baby #2 and still trying to figure out the best way for me to deliver....  

[jesslee83]

im 27w w/my 1st, and both of dh's 1st children were huge, and with the way the baby is growing, i'm gonna ask about c-sect....

at st, i was like i'd rather tear than be cut...but according to your story and my moms(who had stitches AGAIN after i was 6 months old!), i'm def opting for a c-sect if possible!

[Kristie723]

Hi there - I just googled a similar thread to your post about a 3rd degree episiotomy or a c-section (I am 10 weeks pregnant with my second).  What did you end up doing?  Can you please let me know your experience?  I am really torn between vaginal delivery again or a c-section.  I had a horrible 3rd degree tear and it still hasn't healed.  God forbid I laugh or sneeze, it's incontinence-city...  Would love to know how it turned out.  Thanks so much - sorry you have to be the trail-blazer...

[Kristie723]

Hi there - I just googled a similar thread to your post about a 3rd degree episiotomy or a c-section (I am 10 weeks pregnant with my second).  What did you end up doing?  Can you please let me know your experience?  I am really torn between vaginal delivery again or a c-section.  I had a horrible 3rd degree tear and it still hasn't healed.  God forbid I laugh or sneeze, it's incontinence-city...  Would love to know how it turned out.  Thanks!!

(Sorry for double-posting but I'm not sure this went to the right person the first time)

[Twons]

I ended up going with the elective C Section.  

It was painful, but I do not regret it at all. I did have some complications with healing.  I'm also having some menstrual cycle issues (cysts), but I'm not sure if this is related to the C Section.  My lower stomach is still numb where the incision was made.

I felt that taking the chance of another serious tear and potentially having it impact the quality of my life with incontinence (anal) was not worth it, especially when there is not a high rate of success with anal repair surgery.  (According to my urogynecologist).  

Best of luck with your decision!   I know how hard it is to make.   Let me know if I can help answer any other questions/concerns you may have.

[Kristie723]

Thank you so much for getting back to me - I really appreciate it! I am leaning towards the c-section as well, but I still have about 28 weeks (okay, less) to decide!

Kristie