Okay I knew some women tore during childbirth but I never knew how common it was. Like I read it's two out of three. I'm super scared to have kids now haha. Even though I don't plan to have kids for a few years yet. Does a history of fissures make perinatal tears more likely?

Hi Mae
I can only speak from my experience, I think I had small tears from over wiping prior to pregnancy as was often itchy and would often bleed but was never in pain. I didn't tear during the birth of my son but 2-3 weeks afterwards I developed an AF. I did do perianal massage with almond oil daily prior to labour to reduce the chance of tearing and I also had a waterbirth which is meant to help as I was scared of tearing. I didn't get constipated but wonder if it coincided with the change in hormones post pregnancy or perhaps the stress of being a first time mum? I have heard of a few mothers developing an AF a few weeks after the birth rather than during labour. I am wondering if I will have a c section next time but will see.

Not sure if that helps at all.

I suppose there is always c-sections. I'm sure those have their own set of risks though. I'm sure I'll look it up and then get an freaked out about that too. Sigh.... XP

I am also pregnant, and had LIS surgery a couple weeks ago. I am so worried about childbirth too! I am considering getting a c section, to just avoid messing with anything down there, but I heard c section recovery comes with risks too. I'm lost!

What kind of risks? I heard the painkillers can cause constipation but if you start taking stool softeners immediately it can combat that.

Risk of infection with a c section and blood clots.

Oh that's right. : /

I mean that's the risk with any major surgery I guess.

It sucks though cuz I really want to be someone's mommy and although in the past I thought I wanted to adopt, lately I've just really been wanting to have kids who look like my fiance. It's natural to want that I think.

I have read on this forum of mum's that are prone to/had a history of fissures and have had natural births no problem, I still find it nerving but encouraging because I too want more children.

The way I see it... having the wee one is so so amazing and the fissure is manageable. I was in a worst mental state thinking I wouldn't have a baby than I am coping now. Sure, I have to eat pureed vege soup every night, and I bleed and manage pain everyday but the best way I deal with it is to cuddle my son :)

You're right, it's totally natural to want kids, can be tricky to work it out.

Well maybe for your next (and for my first) we'll both be healed up and have a lot of knowledge in preventing fissures :)

(I can pinpoint almost exactly what caused both of mine. They both came down to dehydration. I've gotten so much better at eating well and keeping stress down too. It's really a learning experience. Not a fun one, but one nonetheless.)

Awesome positive attitude :) It's great that you have worked out what caused yours. Yup we will heal and be prepared for preventing/managing during our pregnancies/labour.

Love it :)