Episiotomy pain - how long?

[LuckyC27]

So I gave birth 11 days ago after a 4 day induction I had to have a forceps delivery and episiotomy. The pain wasn't that bad and I was able to wee and have bowel movements pretty quickly. Now on day 11 and had visitors over today so was sat down for a long time and this morning we also went for a 40 minute walk which embarrassingly is the longest walk we have been on so far due to weather. Now my whole labia/vagina are is aching I don't want to sit down - is this normal or should I call docs? My midwife said it can take weeks for stitches to go but as I wasn't in pain I didn't ask about this.

Hi @LuckyC27 - it sounds quite normal to me, I kept thinking that I wasn’t in much pain or discomfort then I’d try and walk to the shops and realise that no I’d really overdone it! It took about 6 weeks for me to feel totally fine walking around again.
Try and take it easy, lots of cuddles on the sofa with your baby - congratulations btw!

P.s. should of said - I think the aching sounds normal as that was what I had but if it gets more painful definitely call doctors as could be infected and they can sort that out for you quickly!

I had complications including sepsis and undone stitches which took 12 weeks to heal. Despite that it wasnt THAT painful after the infection was under control considering the gapage (tmi) but the ache lasted a good few weeks and remember I couldnt walk round for much longer than an hour without feeling like my womb was hanging out😂

If it's aching rather than a searing pain I'd say that's normal and to take it easy - 40 mins is a long time when the wound is healing.

If it starts to sting or the pain is sharp or there is pus then contact gp - I had an infection in mine but the antibiotics worked at super speed. I also got sent home from the hospital with painkillers - keep on top of it even if it's just paracetamol.

Hey ladies - thanks for all the information. Definitely think I have overdone it then sat in an awkward position as it is definitely achey - I was on antibiotics for a different issue until 2 days ago so thinking it shouldn't be an infection. If the pain gets worse ill call gp.

Listen to your body, 40 minutes is too long! Rest rest rest.

Have you had a look with a hand mirror?
I thought mine was just sore and ended up with an infection that was eating into my thigh. I think it's awful that they don't routinely check episiotomies the way they used to.

I agree, it is awful they don’t routinely check episiotomies. And now with covid it’s even worse. My GP refuses to see me and examine me. She would only agree to a swap to check for an infection which I had to go in and do myself but they won’t see me in person. And they’ve said they’re not seeing new mothers in person at the moment for the 6 week check up.

OP that sounds normal to me to be aching after a 40-min walk only 11 days after. I’m 5 weeks after mine and it still feel a bit uncomfortable sometimes especially after a long walk. I think at around 3/4 weeks when the stitches had dissolved I started to feel significantly better

Swab not swap lol

Mine got worse before it got better. Took about 6 weeks to be pain free X