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Giving birth following rectocele repair surgery

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LucyAston
LucyAston

I had a rectocele after my second baby (natural delivery) and had surgery to correct it 2 years ago.

At the time I was told I should have a c section if I had any more children.

Fast forward 2 years later and my antenatal consultant has told me there aren't enough studies to rule out a natural delivery this time, and C sections actually carry high risk in themselves compared with natural delivery.

Has anyone been through rectocele surgery and gone on to have more children?

I went into this pregnancy knowing I would have a section, so this new guidance has really thrown me.

Being honest, I would prefer to have a natural labour. The rectocele surgery was horrible, I don't know how a section compares, but I feel I don't have any good options to make the decision easier.

Thanks

0 likes, 2 replies

2 Replies

  • Marina_Dee
    Marina_Dee LucyAston

    Posted

    I am amazed that your antenatal consultant has said that. Rectocele surgery is usually never performed if there is any intention to have future vaginal births, so you possibly were advised incorrectly to have the repair, unless you said you had finished your family. You may be back where you started with another rectocele.

    I hope other ladies can give you some advice....especially someone who has had the surgery and gone on to have a vaginal birth. However, other experiences may not be what you experience as we are all different.

    Do you have a dedicated midwife? Ask her opinion as well. She may be able to talk to your consultant.

    No, there arent a lot of studies because it doesnt happen often. If you are in UK talk to your GP as well.

    • LucyAston
      LucyAston Marina_Dee

      Posted

      I know! I couldn't believe it either.

      I'll speak to my GP and midwife and try and get confirmation of the procedure I had. All of the information I had beforehand said I was having mesh inserted during the procedure however the consultant has told my antenatal consultant there's no mesh. I'm a bit lost.

      Prior to the op his guidance to me was future babies would need to be via c section. So this was part of my planning for this pregnancy, I'd accepted this was what would happen.

      Then to get the advice that c sections carry more risk than my previous surgery reversing... That blew my mind.

      How I'm meant to decide, I don't know!

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