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Childbirth

3rd degree perineal tear

15 replies

LaurenIslaMae · 31/07/2014 16:43

I gave birth to my beautiful little girl 4weeks ago now and during the birth I received a third degree perineal tear :( I understand that the healing process is going to take some time but the constant aches and pains are beginning to get unbearable now! I can't sit down for longer than 10minutes without being in pain and I still struggle to stand up sometimes after sitting down.
It's hard to explain but every now and again I have a popping sensation (my midwife said that it wasn't my stitches popping) has anyone else ever experienced this kind of sensation?
I'm debating whether or not it's worth taking a visit to the doctors.. To be told to take paracetamol!

OP posts:

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Blondiemama · 01/08/2014 06:11

I had a third degree tear too and it is nasty :( I'm three months PP now and although everything is healed and most fine, I still get moments when it is uncomfortable.

I would go to GP with any concerns. Mind was lovely, I literally kept going every week for first 10 weeks because my scar kept getting infected and made me incredibly sore and couldn't sit, this may have happened to you so you must get checked xx

gwenig2 · 01/08/2014 06:24

I would go to GP to get it checked. Have you tried having a soak in the bath with lavender oil. Put cup of milk in bath then few drops of lavender helps healing. Also try arnica capsuals from boots they help to heal internal bruising. I have used them for years and they are great. Used them while breast feeding following advice from midwife.

Iggly · 01/08/2014 06:29

I had a third degree tear. I was checked properly by a consultant after 6 weeks. Plus a physio referral.

Post birth I bathed my bits in arnica bubble bath and used arnica gel (not cream) on the area to bring down bruising. I also used a drop or two of tea tree oil on my pads to minimise the risk of infection.

Have you got a 6 week check?

CoteDAzur · 01/08/2014 07:37

You are not supposed to use arnica gel or cream on an open wound.

CoteDAzur · 01/08/2014 07:42

OP - Has the tear completely closed?

If so, I would recommend massaging the area twice daily with Contractubex. Look it up. It is a scar gel specific for gynecological operations and mastectomies. My huge episiotomy scar was painful for 6 months, then was fine 2 weeks after I started using Contractubex. It was recommended to me by a sympathetic woman gynecologist who has had a large episiotomy herself.

thatwhichwecallarose · 01/08/2014 07:52

I've had two 3rd degree tears now, a 3c 3 years ago and a 3a/b 3 days ago!!

Neither of mine have been that painful (well they hurt but nothing to stop me in my tracks). I would def go back to doctor if it's still hurting now.

Iggly · 01/08/2014 08:06

It was stitched up and I didn't rub it into the wound itself. Just around the area.

LaurenIslaMae · 01/08/2014 21:07

Thank you for your replies and advice! It's nice to know that I'm not the only one that's having problems. I do have a hospital appointment in 3weeks but I think I'll definitely book a doctors appointment to make sure that everything's ok before then. I'll keep an eye out for the arnica gel and contractubex... Thanks again ladies, I really appreciate your help x

OP posts:

Frizz1986 · 01/08/2014 22:14

I had a 3b tear at xmas and although it was uncomfortable and very achey for about 7 weeks it wasn't too painful to get up. I would sit on a childs swim ring though (as advised by the theatre nurse during my stitches) and it did ache quite a bit whilst sitting in bed at night breastfeeding.
I would go to the docs to check there is no infection.

I braved it and had a look at it all myself with a mirror a few days after arriving home (midwife recommended it so I could keep an eye on it) which meant i could check that it was healing ok.

LaurenIslaMae · 01/08/2014 22:19

Those of you that have torn have you had any lasting effects?
My midwife also said that there was no reason for me to have any problems in future if I decide to have anymore children.. Thatwhichwecallarose was that also the case for you?

OP posts:

drigon · 01/08/2014 22:24

A warm salt bath can help the healing process.

CoteDAzur · 01/08/2014 22:30

OP - Ask the doctor for Contractubex prescription AND referral to physio.

theendoftheendoftheend · 01/08/2014 22:32

I had an awful time with my tear, walking up the stairs, going to the toilet all made me swear like a screaming banshee. I even inexplicably peed my pants in the kitchen at one point. The very suggestion of paracetamol made me want to shoot people. I smelt like fish guts too as it turned out I had an infection. It was fucking awful! BUT it did all get better and now its a distant memory! It will get better. But I would go to the doctors if I was you just so they can check all is well.

theendoftheendoftheend · 01/08/2014 22:34

I didn't tear with my next one, just a slight 'graze', it was bliss!

Iggly · 02/08/2014 07:39

I had a second degree tear second time around. Unlucky really as caused by dd coming out with her elbow wriggling.

Nearly 3 years later I've had no problems. I healed a lot faster second time around. Only time will tell though - doing my pelvic floors regularly!

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