Aside from MASSIVE tearing, or horrendous bleeding, why get stitches?

[Kiliki]

Originally Posted by justineybean I think a lot of times if you don't get stitches for deep cuts elsewhere the scarring is more extensive...? I could be wrong. I always thought that was the benefit. Maybe it's the same after giving birth - to reduce scar tissue?

This is true. I think having scar tissue for a vaginal tear is a good thing in many instances, though, as it will make tearing in that same spot for subsequent births less likely b.c the skin is tougher there.

[justineybean]

Originally Posted by evasimone I have a history of healing with keloids which is unusual since I am caucasian. I would think my chances of not getting a keloid may be better with stitches but I don't really know. Eta: I was cross posting when the above was posted. I've gotten 3 keloids from cuts and scrapes, none of them had stitches. I don't know if stitches would help me not develop a keloid but I know I get them when I let my body heal on its own.

I was thinking the same thing -- apparently at the same time!!

[Scarlett's mommy]

i didnt know it was an option. i dont even think my dr told me he was giving me stitches but i only got like 2 or 3

[bumminbeachbabe]

I had tearing with my vbac. The one spot that he didn't stitch wound up ulcerated. It was really painful while it healed.

[mommycass]

I had an unnecessary episiotomy with my first:/ Got stitches and healed fine. Minimal tear with my second and got stitches, healed fine. I tore about a 2nd degree with #3, a homebirth, and my MW left it up to me. I chose against stitches. She told me to keep my thighs together when sitting or getting in and out of bed. I healed fine, after 3 days I was checked and the tear was pretty much closed.
My MW did tell me of a lady who had worse tearing then me and did not heal right. The tear didn't heal together correctly, it was like half slide forward, then healed. So extra skin hanging. My mw believes she didn't take it easy or ignored the need to heal, I dunno!
If I tear again this time I'll refuse stitches, as long as it isnt horrible tearing.

[mommycass]

DP

[Purplerain]

I also tore very badly with all three of my children. I knew I had an option to not have stitches afterwards but the midwife kind of made it sound like i would be all "gappy and flappy" so I chose to be stitched every time.

The first time it was terrible. The stitches didnt line up properly and healed wrong. Very painful until my next child was born 17 months later when the stitching that time was done right.

Its really the last thing you feel like having done after just having had a baby! Im not sure what the best option is really. I guess like you say, a major tear definitely needs some attention and no doubt stitching. At the time I just went with what my midwife suggested

[mapleleaf88]

Originally Posted by Kiliki This is true. I think having scar tissue for a vaginal tear is a good thing in many instances, though, as it will make tearing in that same spot for subsequent births less likely b.c the skin is tougher there.

I was of the understanding that scar tissue doesn't stretch, and so you're more likely to tear with subsequent births?

[whitneywalters]

I didn't even think about it and just got the stitches. It was a must with my first, I had fourth degree tearing, it was awful, took forever to heal and hurt like you would not believe. The girls, I had between 2 -7 stitches and minor tears.

[RachelFlores]

Originally Posted by mapleleaf88 I was of the understanding that scar tissue doesn't stretch, and so you're more likely to tear with subsequent births?

This is what I thought too, that while the scar itself is tougher, it is less stretchy and you are more likely to tear along your scar line. I have had stitches with all 3 births and didn't even consider not having them. I mean, if I got a deep cut or tear on any other skin, I would get stitches so why wouldn't I after birth. The reasons I would think getting stiches is better is that the dr can make sure your skin is lined up appropriatly making for quicker healing with less scaring, also, wouldn't you be less likely to get an infection with stitches than without them since you wouldn't have an open wound? I'd be all for holding the area together with glue or steri strips, but with the location that is not an option. Honestly, this is the first time I've ever heard of refusing stitches, but I still think I'd get them if my midwife suggested it.