Hello there IBD Mamas!
I am seeking advice based on your wisdom, especially if you have had a vaginal birth with a history of perianal disease.
I am 21 weeks pregnant with my first child, and even though I was in a fabulous state of remission at conception, I have never been entirely free of nearly constant anal fissures and occasional/seemingly random vaginal fissures. I get the feeling at times that my perianal tissue is permanently degraded/compromised. I also have a history of painful rectal and anal disease when not in remission. However, I have never experienced abscesses or fistulas.
Based on my history, my Maternal Fetal Medicine specialist has talked about the possibility of C-section even from our preconception appointment. Early in my pregnancy, I was resolute in my need/desire for a C-section. Now, as everything becomes "more real", I find myself questioning that original preference. At my last appointment when I was not yet questioning a C-section, my MFM was very affirming of C-section, even saying that was what she would do if she were in my shoes.
I have read every study I can find about perianal disease and vaginal birth outcomes and I know that active perianal disease indicates a significant increase in the occurrence of severe vaginal laceration. And I have been told that severe vaginal laceration will put me at risk for further perianal complications such as abscesses and fistulas. This risk really scares me, as I am already impacted daily by the pain and discomfort of perianal disease and do NOT want to experience more of it!
So having done considerable research, I am now interested in personal stories. Has anyone delivered vaginally with active perianal disease at the level of anal and vaginal fissures and had a successful outcome?
By the time baby arrives, either by C-section or vaginal delivery, I just want to feel 100% sure that I made the best choice I possibly could with all of the information available to me.
Right now I have a strong desire to pursue a vaginal birth and I'm questioning myself a little - am I simply grieving my ability to have a vaginal birth, or is a vaginal birth actually possible and I need to push a little for it?
Would love to hear your thoughts, thank you so much in advance! :heart::heart::heart:
I am seeking advice based on your wisdom, especially if you have had a vaginal birth with a history of perianal disease.
I am 21 weeks pregnant with my first child, and even though I was in a fabulous state of remission at conception, I have never been entirely free of nearly constant anal fissures and occasional/seemingly random vaginal fissures. I get the feeling at times that my perianal tissue is permanently degraded/compromised. I also have a history of painful rectal and anal disease when not in remission. However, I have never experienced abscesses or fistulas.
Based on my history, my Maternal Fetal Medicine specialist has talked about the possibility of C-section even from our preconception appointment. Early in my pregnancy, I was resolute in my need/desire for a C-section. Now, as everything becomes "more real", I find myself questioning that original preference. At my last appointment when I was not yet questioning a C-section, my MFM was very affirming of C-section, even saying that was what she would do if she were in my shoes.
I have read every study I can find about perianal disease and vaginal birth outcomes and I know that active perianal disease indicates a significant increase in the occurrence of severe vaginal laceration. And I have been told that severe vaginal laceration will put me at risk for further perianal complications such as abscesses and fistulas. This risk really scares me, as I am already impacted daily by the pain and discomfort of perianal disease and do NOT want to experience more of it!
So having done considerable research, I am now interested in personal stories. Has anyone delivered vaginally with active perianal disease at the level of anal and vaginal fissures and had a successful outcome?
By the time baby arrives, either by C-section or vaginal delivery, I just want to feel 100% sure that I made the best choice I possibly could with all of the information available to me.
Right now I have a strong desire to pursue a vaginal birth and I'm questioning myself a little - am I simply grieving my ability to have a vaginal birth, or is a vaginal birth actually possible and I need to push a little for it?
Would love to hear your thoughts, thank you so much in advance! :heart::heart::heart:
