Internal Stitches after episiotomy/tear

[Cmad92]

Hi All,

I’m 3 weeks postpartum - ended up having forceps so had an episiotomy but also a level 2 tear when little one came out. It took an hour to be stitched up and I was told the stitches went quite deep.

I was so swollen/bruised initially that I didn’t even dare touch it to have a look in a mirror so just took painkillers and kept on top of changing pads etc.

The last couple of days I’ve been pretty sore again so have had an inspection eventually, the external part looks to have healed but I still have lots of big white stitches internally and it looks very bumpy!

It’s my first baby so just wondering if anyone has had similar experiences and how long it took for the internal stitches to heal?

I’ll speak to GP/midwife next week once they’re open again but just worrying myself in case there’s an infection or something going on!

TIA

Did they say if the stitches will dissolve? I'm pretty sure I had to have stitches a long time ago with DC1 abs I can rennet having to take daily baths with salt in them. Is that still a thing?

Hello @Cmad92

I also had a 2nd degree tear & had to be stitched up by a doctor. Your midwife should check the stitches for you on your follow up appointment & also your GP if you request it. I also received a referral to physio who checked everything over quite in depth.

My external stitches healed very quickly but I had internal stitches that I could feel for at least 6 months if I remember. They also felt bumpy & could be sore but I was assured everything was fine & they should dissolve in time.

Hoping all is well for you and they heal soon!