When do issues present after forceps delivery?

[Gizzymac]

I had my baby 2 weeks ago and had forceps and an episiotomy. It was very sore for the first few days but I've been quite surprised how quickly I've felt better. I now don't have any pain, and although my pelvic floor feels weaker, I've started doing the exercises from Squeezy app and I do have some strength in the muscles. Been coughing with no issues too.

I'm not sure if long term issues from forceps show up immediately or take time to show themselves - am I being naive that I've come out of it relatively unscathed? Could future problems show up later down the line? Would be great to hear people's experiences. Thanks.

Never for me. I had to sit on a cushion for a few days and use a glycerin suppository a couple of times (more out of fear than physical restriction). That was it. As far as I know I have no physical signs of it ever having happened (except slightly worse stress incontinence in pregnancy number two, but I think that was due to two pregnancies rather than birth then pregnancy, iyswim).

I had forceps delivery a month ago and have come away largely unscathed (apart from episiotomy). Everything is healing nicely, I don’t have incontinence and I’ve got full use of my pelvic floor which I’m exercising every day. I’m not returning to intense exercise until a good 6 months has gone by.
If the damage wasn’t done at the time then I don’t see how it can present later

8yrs ago never had any issues. Didn’t know I was supposed to?!

My forceps delivery caused all sorts of problems - it’s 9+ years ago now but my recollection is that they were there from the very beginning.

Book a ‘mummy MOT’ with a women’s health/pelvic floor physio to check.

the pelvic floor is lots of muscle woven together into a sort of hammock. So if you damage one part (I.E episiotomy) the whole thing often collapses.

Hi op, did any issues ever arise?!

@Mellous no - nothing! Feel really lucky!

Amazing! I’m in a similar situation 11 months down the line and feel like I’m just waiting for something dreadful to happen. Reassuring to know you’re all good

Forceps + episiotomy 17 years ago. All good since v soon after birth. (Was sore!)

Episiotomy and forceps 24 years ago. Perimenopause brought bowel issues and occasional issues with continence. I struggle to hold loose stool / diahorrea. I’m sure it’s due to the traumatic birth.

Did you have a third / fourth degree tear?

Officially a 2nd degree year but it was almost a 3rd according to the midwife at the time. The stitches went into my sphincter.
I tore again to a 2nd degree on my second baby but that wasn’t stitched. Just allowed to heal naturally.

I had two failed ventouses then was cut and forceps used. That was 15 years ago and apart from having to sit on a cushion and as others have said being slightly petrified of a bowel movement all was well when the stitches healed. I was a geriatric mum as well - 38. The baby looked like a cone head and had dents in her head but that soon sorted itself. I’d not realised that it caused issues later potentially.