Episiotomy scar healing process

[PhoebeBear]

I had my son 6 weeks ago today, he was a big baby- 8 pound 12!
I ended up habits a forcep delivery as he was stuck and obviously an episiotomy.
For the first month I was in a lot of pain and had a mild prolapse which I believe is getting better on its own now. I've noticed however going for walks and days out leave my scar feeling hard and swollen- it hurts! Has anyone else had a similar experience and will it get better? I still get the odd ache in my bits but I'm hoping this won't last forever

[snitzelvoncrumb]

I had the same, give it a bit more time. I was uncomfortable for about three months.

[sianyb83]

Hi, I had the same - forceps and ventouse delivery, 9lbs baby boy!
It took about 3 months, and then seemed to snap back to normal - just give yourself more time.
Two things I found really good were putting lavender oil straight on a maternity pad, just a few drops...it has a numbing effect! Also keep on daily baths, as well as showers, - and do your pelvic floor exercises, whenever you're feeding baby do a couple, it makes a big difference.

[Cb700]

I was just about to write a new topic asking a similar question. I had forceps and Episiotomy on the 5th September so just over 2 weeks ago. I’m still in agony and really sore and stings when I wee. The midwife checked and no infection but said the internal stitches look sore. She said to sit in a bath with tea tree oil in and pour warm water after going to the bathroom. I do hate going to the toilet! Am I expecting too much too soon?

[snitzelvoncrumb]

Cb pour the warm water over your bits while peeing. It will get better soon, try to take it easy. Congratulations on your baby!

[mistermagpie]

Honestly? Mine was about 9 months before it didn't ache when I had been running or doing a lot of walking/standing. It's still (four years later) sore during sex at times but mine was stitched too tight according to a gynaecologist. I could have opted to have it revised but wanted to wait until I was finished having babies. I'm now pregnant with my third.

[diddlediddle]

@mistermagpie did the fact you were stitched too tight affect the birth of your second baby? I think I have the same problem.

OP, be patient as hard as it is. It will take time because it's quite a significant injury but most people do recover.

[mistermagpie]

No it didn't. The gynaecologist offered me a scar revision but I got pregnant with my second child first, he said that birth might actually 'fix' the problem (tear it again? God knows, I didn't ask!). It didn't, but that birth was actually really easy, it was a bigger baby but no tearing and no episiotomy or anything and I recovered really well.

I still had the 'tightness' issues after though but was planning another baby (due in December) so figured I'd wait and see what that birth brings!

[diddlediddle]

@mistermagpie that's reassuring, thank you 🙏🏼

[QforCucumber]

Mine was also forceps and 8lb 12oz! Took around 3 months to notice a difference, I did get an infection early on too. Mix lavender drops with a careful of milk and put in the bath, then lay on the bed and allow your bits to air dry. Also loose PJ bottons and no pants around the house - all really eased my discomfort.

[QforCucumber]

Capful

[StarDanced]

Mine took a while. Close to 9/10 months as I had started to tear pre episiotomy. It wasn't painful for that whole time, but I would still get pain off and on. It went back to normal after that. Give it time, it is still early days for you to have fully healed.

[twirlypoo]

I was in intense pain for about 6 weeks - as in, hated going to the loo and end up in tears sort of pain. It then got much better, but I would say it took almost a year to feel fully back to normal.

[Cb700]

Wow that is a long time. No one ever talks about recovery after.
How soon can you do pelvic floor exercises the area feels really heavy and like it’s all going to drop through!