Episiotomy discomfort and pain normal?

[ChristmasStocckings]

Hi all, sorry if this is the wrong place for this question.

We had an episiotomy and forceps delivery about 13 weeks ago. Now when I exercise, stretch, or sit the wrong way I feel pulling and pain where the cut was.

Is this normal? Will it go away?

I had a terrible obstetrician who was incompetent (left a surgical sponge inside me among other mistakes) so I’m worried he may have done a bad job with the stitches

Sometimes postpartum you can get some hormone related dryness which makes stitches feel worse but I'd want it looked at just in case.

Mine healed tightly and caused discomfort for a long time. One day, something literally went ‘snap’ (it wasn’t painful, just weird) and it felt a whole lot better. You should mention it to someone and get it checked though. My stitches had opened up and revealed badly and I didn’t even know.

Mine was feeling better by about 8 weeks, i.e. I wasn't aware of it when doing anything. I don't think it would be unreasonable of you to check this out with your GP.

You could also get a mirror out and have a look. That will give you an idea of whether it at least looks normal.

I'd also consider a visit to a pelvic floor physiotherapist. I had pulling and heaviness in my scar until I had my second baby. In the end all my discomfort disappeared after my second birth, when I was stitched (much better this time!) after a small second degree tear. However I have since sought physio and I think it would have helped a lot if I'd done it after my first birth.

Like @teezletangler I had an awful tight episiotomy that was resolved after my second delivery