Petrified of giving birth to no2

[candymycandy]

I had quite a traumatic birth with DS and ultimately it left me with moderate pelvic organ prolapse. I'm trying my best to strengthen my core and pelvic floor before the birth but I also have quite severe pgp which is currently preventing me from doing much. I'm terrified of the birth! I was induced last time and hoping for a natural start this time but have been told that it would be best to try and avoid an epidural, but mostly I'm scared of a repeat of tearing/episiotomy and what the birth will do to my already fall-y out-y organs!

Does anyone else have these feelings for any reasons at all? Or has anyone had a better second birth than the first? x

 

[Wednesday]

My first experience was nowhere near as horrendous as yours but I'm also not looking forward to birth again!

What sort of exercises are you doing for strengthening the pelvic muscles? Xx

 

[candymycandy]

Glad I'm not alone Wednesday!! I do the regular Kegels but also (when pain allows) a pregnancy Pilates DVD and a pelvic floor DVD called Hab-It where you're engaging your core and pelvic muscles. Things like leg raises, leg clamshells and squeezing a ball in between your thighs! All really effective xx

 

[Hoping for no2]

Ive got a mild prolapse, bad bladder issues and varicose veins around my episiotomy scar from a forceps delivery first time around. I was actually relieved to have a c-section last time as baby was breech. I'm opting for another section as no way am I prepared to risk any further damage, it's bad enough already! I also recovered much easier from my section. Have you spoken to a consultant? Would C section be an option if you are worried about making things worse? X

 

[candymycandy]

That's interesting you say that Hoping, I've seen a consultant who said that a vaginal birth may make things worse initially but that I could continue to work to improve the prolapse after. He advised against a section I think because it weakens core muscles though he wasn't terribly clear if I'm honest. Maybe I should try and get a second opinion?? I'd also be worried about recovering from a section so pleased to know you were ok. Did you find it didn't make prolapse any worse? Xx

 

[Hoping for no2]

I'd say the prolapse is much the same although mine is the vaginal wall rather than internal organs. When I'd spok to a consultant last time they said vaginal delivery would be ok but they wrote in my notes that if it came to using forceps again I should have a section. I was pretty sceptical of a vaginal birth even without forceps, as my bladder issues are quite bad and I suffer with bad pain and pressure around my scar, and was so worried about these things getting even worse, as well as the prolapse. None of my problems are any worse after my section and I've managed to improve my bladder issues quite a bit. X

 

[megsmeadow]

I have a rectocele prolapse from my first forceps delivery. Again not the same as an organ prolapse. After my second I needed help to remove the placenta which should really have been done under GA. Then the third I didn't need any help. I think the prolapse is much the same even after the other births. Can the do anything afterwards in terms if pelvic floor repair? I was told it would be an option after I was done having babies.

 

[candymycandy]

Thanks ladies, I have rectocele, cystocele and mild uterine prolapse so not too dissimilar to you guys. Megs this is what I've been told too - you can have an op where they repair things with mesh. However just to complicate things, there's a bunch of lawsuits going on where by the manufacturers are being sued as the mesh has caused all manner of awful problems. Won't go into the details as it's grim but would suggest having a google so you have the facts. Helpful to know yours was the same post births though. Hate having this decision to make. Also a comfort to know you ladies have similar issues to me - no one will volunteer this info in real life generally!! X

 

[Wednesday]

No experience of prolapse but I have heard AWFUL things about mesh

 

[Ljd401]

Find this very interesting to read as I too had a terrible first birth. Induction, 5 hours pushing!! Second degree tear, episiotomy, 2 litre PPH and have needed 2 operations since the birth. Also in need of a third. Still have pain with my episiotomy scar and things just aren't the same down below. I feel stretched and suffer with a bit of pain post intercourse.

Am so so scared of the second birth. However my consultant is lovely and has said I can have a c section if I wish so am tempted by that although worried about the recovery as will have a 2 and a half year old as well as a new baby to cope with.
I'm a very small frame and my consultant said he was very surprised I managed to get my son out in the first place.

 

[Hoping for no2]

My friend had to have a hysterectomy after being pushed into a vbac due to the damaged sustained in delivery. They tried to repair a bad organ prolapse but it didn't work, so a hysterectomy was the only option in the end. She was told her issues wouldn't get any worse with a vaginal delivery, hence my scepticism. I've seen the consultant now and no pressure to have a natural delivery thank goodness x