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Childbirth

If you had an unstitched tear, how long did it take to heal?

6 replies

Skaramoosh · 27/02/2013 19:03

I had a 1st degree perineal tear 2 weeks ago with DC2 which was left unstitched.
I checked it last night with a mirror and my perineum looks non-existant, the tear has visibly not healed but when I pulled the skin together the perineum looked intact again so it looks like it might not knit together on its own and may need stitched after all?

A midwife is coming to check it tomorrow as I rang asking their advice today. Just wondering if anyone had similar?

OP posts:

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EssieW · 27/02/2013 19:07

2-3 weeks. I followed the midwives instruction not to go down stairs for a week and then not too much for another week. This was my second child so I was more than happy to comply.

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Treats · 01/03/2013 17:45

It didn't :( I had to go back for stitches two weeks later......

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Princesspond · 01/03/2013 17:48

I could never bear to look myself but first child I had a 'nick' that wasn't stitched and all I can say is that it took longer to feel normal

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Princesspond · 01/03/2013 17:52

I could never bear to look myself but first child I had a 'nick' that wasn't stitched and all I can say is that it took longer to feel normal and subsequently hurt more during sex than with my second child when I had a similar v small tear and they opted to stitch it. (But that may not have been related). I just mean if the MW opts to stitch it I wouldn't worry

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maxbear · 01/03/2013 21:58

skaramoosh, unfortunately it sounds as though you have had a second degree tear not a first degree tear. The good news is that it should heal, the bad news is that it might take a long time. I am a midwife and I always suture second degree tears unless the woman doesn't want me to. I've never heard of anyone being sutured as early as two weeks later before, usually if re suturing needs to be done it is 8 - 9 months later as you have to give it a good chance to heal naturally. The best thing you can do at the moment is to keep it clean. Sorry if that is not what you wanted to hear.

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Skaramoosh · 06/03/2013 13:54

Thanks for the replies, I've not had it checked as the midwife had to attend an emergency and when they rang to reschedule the visit they told me that even if it wasn't healing, they can't do anything, I'd have to see my GP. So I've booked a GP appointment for two weeks time instead.
It's still quite sore and everytime I have a bowel movement it hurts and bleeds again so I can't see it ever healing on its own now...

Quite sad about it really as I already have a rectocele from my first pregnancy and now this tear is bothering me and I think I may have a cystocele too...I had no idea my bits would be so shredded from childbirth :-(