How long for second degree tear to heal?

[4pudding]

Had a second degree tear, stitched up by a doctor quite well I think as it feels ok (too scared to look in a mirror!).

Its been four days now and I'm still not sitting for longer than 30 mins at a time. Went for a 5 min walk and was quite uncomfortable. I think I have a bit of generalbruising inside too as it all feels a but heavy down there so have been doing lots of gentle pelvic floor exercises too.

I know I'm being impatient, but just wondered when people starred being able to do more?

It takes a while, keep area clean & have tea tree baths. Youve just pushed out a baby so it will be uncomfortable for a while. If wound smells get to drs as an infection hampers healing. Did they not give you painkillers? id ask for some if you havnt already got them. good luck hth!

I think mine took about 7 days but took a few weeks before felt back to normal with bruising and general tenderness. I found wearing soft maternity pads better than normal thinner type pads for sitting down, more padding. I found a daily bath with a few drops of lavender oil in soothing as well. Take it easy if you can as well.

I sat on an inflatable ring for about 10 days or two weeks after the birth. The MW plucked out a few stitches that still had not dissolved 14 days after birth. Water/moisture make the stitches dissolve, so every time you go to the loo, pour a jug of warm water over yourself. This keeps everything nice and clean and the moisture will help the stitches dissolve.
I couldn't walk very far/fast at 5 days, I remember, but was much more active 2 weeks later. Tried DTD with DH at 6 weeks - perfectly possible but still a bit sore. In fact, it was still a bit zingy DTD or having an examination for about 11-12 months, and needed plenty of lube, but is now fine.
Maybe consider looking in the mirror after a couple of weeks. You might be surprised how normal it looks

Thank you!

I'm just taking paracetemol and ibuprofen which seems fine, I don't want to overdo it so want to be a bit aware of what's going on doing there.

I've actually ordered some cloth sanitary towels as the lochia is quite light already and I think they are going to be much more comfortable.

Feeling a bit more relaxed about it all now, realise I should be relishing the opportunity to spend as much time snuggling in bed with my newborn as I can get away with!