TMI question about bits after childbirth

[MayimBialik]

I have just plucked up the courage to have a look down below 7 weeks post-birth. I actually suffered a 3rd degree tear after an assisted delivery and was stitched up in surgery afterwards. Was never told the extent of the tear (I believe there are gradings within the degree) but my checkup is the end of this week so I shall find out then. However I have had no problems since and feel I've healed really well. No toilet problems (apart from I can't stop wee mid-flow yet but believe they is the case for many women after childbirth).

When I looked all looked amazingly normal on the outside. Stitches have all disappeared and to be honest I look the same as before. Great job it would seem. However, I feel much bigger down there and when I (sorry this is the TMI part) open up my vagina I can see the hole is more open than before (to be expected I guess) and then above that is a lumpy fleshy bit that I don't think was there before and it looks like there is a hole in that too. I was scared at first it was my cervix but that would be coming out of the vagina wouldn't it? Ie, It would obscure the opening.

Is it normal for the inside of the vagina to look different like this? Am I panicking about nothing?

Seriously, 7 weeks is nothing in the scheme of things. If you're concerned though, get it looked at when you have your 6 week check or consultant appt. I had a 3a tear nearly 3 years ago. I never really think about it now - I found the scar when washing last week and panicked briefly about what it was as it was so high up, then remembered the carnage caused in getting DD out!

A baby came out of there remember. 7 weeks isn't long really.

Well done you for being brave enough to look. It was months before I could. I had a 4th degree tear and had started physio at around 12 weeks post birth and the physio lady said I was still very bruised so this is to be expected.

Keep doing your pelvic floor exercises and this will help with blood flow to the area (which will help reduce the swelling and bruising). A lot of the bruising may be internal due to the assist.

I would agree to get your gp/consultant to have a look at your appointment but be prepared for them to say its due to having just given birth so things will take a few months before they settle down to 'normal'.

Thanks for your replies. I'm definitely going to make sure the GP takes a look at my check up. Hopefully it's all just down to the face that it's not been long since I have birth