Still feeling rubbish after 8 weeks

[blockopop]

I gave birth 8 weeks ago and despite him being back to back, it was a straightforward vaginal birth with only a minor second degree tear.

I'm now 8 weeks postpartum and while my energy seems to have improved, I'm still feeling pretty dreadful downstairs and it's really getting me down. I've got low back pain, constipation, heaviness between my legs and it feels like I've got a swollen fanny even though it doesn't look any bigger. The longer I'm on my feet, the worse these feelings get so I'm not able to walk much and I'm feeling trapped in the house.

Has anybody else had this? Should I give things more time to get better or does this sound abnormal? I've read so many threads from women who've felt normal soon after birth so I'm panicking something is with with me!

Oh, and I've been doing my PF exercises since day one and am usually active and healthy.

Hi,

I gave birth 11 weeks ago to my second child and had a third degree tear this time. I feel the same just swollen and not right down below. The gp told me it will take at least 6months recover.

I wouldn’t beat yourself up, having a baby takes its toll on our bodies and some woman have no complications what so ever. I think in a few months you should feel better (I know how you feel, you just want to be back to your old self again!). I am the same as you active and healthy normally and have really good pregnancies. I actually feel worse now than I did pregnant!!!

Can you get some lactolose or fibrogel to help with the constipation? Or just eat a higher fibre diet?. I am taking both atm.
I was like it with my first and I did feel normal again, it did take about 6months though.
I would say enjoy your little one :) they grow so quickly!

Good job they are worth the destruction they cause, haha!

I really hope you feel better soon. Maybe get your iron and vit B12 levels checked?. I am taking supplements and having jabs and I feel loads better x

Oh yes and with you on the PF exercises! Lol

The heavy feeling and not being able to walk for long would make me want to push for a GP apt and exam to be honest. Could be a prolapse or similar? Better safe than sorry! But as PP said, don't underestimate how long it takes to fully recover! Hope you're enjoying your lovely baby!

My baby is almost 7mths now and I'm only just starting to feel more normal. I did have quite a traumatic birth plus forceps and quite a few stitches. I felt like everything was swollen until around a month ago and it didn't seem like it was ever going to get better. I still get nasty pains and if I move a certain way, it feels like I'm being ripped open again .
I couldn't do any pelvic floor exercises due to the pain, so you may be on your way to healing if you can do them without issue.
I also read things, as you have, that suggested most women were fine soon after birth but I doubt that's the case for most, especially first time mums.
I found that Covid was used as an excuse for doctors not to check me over, so don't let them fob you off if you feel something is wrong. Make sure you get your postnatal check ups.
I'm still suffering from constipation so am regularly swigging the baby's lactulose, try to get a bottle, or something similar to deal with it.
I had a pretty easy time during pregnancy so it was a shock to find it was 1000 times harder after the baby was born. My mum actually said to me the other day that now I'm looking and feeling better she feels she can admit that I looked like utter shit until last month and she was very worried about my health.

Thanks ladies. I guess it's not always the case that you feel good after 6 weeks! I honestly felt better when I was pregnant and am shocked by how hard this recovery is. I don't know how people are running and having sex by now!

My GP is pretty useless so going to see a private women's physio. Just did a 20 minute walk and my back is killing

Er, this doesn't sound normal at all