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

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

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.

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?

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

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.

@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.

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!

@mistermagpie that's reassuring, thank you 🙏🏼

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.

Capful

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.

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.

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!