2nd degree tear, help needed, sorry if TMI...

[MotherofKitties]

Hi all,

Sorry in advance if this is TMI but I'm a bit worried

I had my first baby 3 weeks ago (7lb) and I thought down there had been improving, but since last night it's been stinging and when I've checked with a mirror the top bit of the stitch looks red and sore, almost like a spit or zit coming through?

The rest of the area is fine and I've had no problems for nearly 3 weeks since I gave birth; I've been taking lavender baths as the midwives advised to prevent infection, but I'm concerned this red/stingingness has suddenly appeared and I'm a bit worried it could be the start of an infection. Had anyone else had anything like this or anything that developed from these type of symptoms? If it gets worse I know I'll have to go to the doctors but I really don't want to go unless I have too

Xx

Congratulations on your baby and sorry to hear you're going through this. I only had a 1st degree tear but feel your pain on the whole issue!

I wouldn't want to advise on anything medical I hadn't seen but I'd speak to your midwife if you're still unsure about it tomorrow. Red/stingy could possibly be the start of an infection so better to get it checked

I did. I went for a check up at 6 weeks and it was infected. 3 days of antibiotics and it was fine. I'd definitely see the GP before it gets worse. When you book your appointment you might need to say what it is you are seeing them for. In my surgery they have a particular Dr trained in such examinations and a nurse had to be present to. It also needed a double appointment slot.

Congrats on the little one!

Thanks for your responses, I think I'm going to have to ring the doctors tomorrow to get an appointment as it's getting more painful quite quickly and I don't want to develop a full blown infection xx

Hope it's not too painful tonight Mother and glad to hear you're getting it checked ASAP. I had mastitis when my dd was little and really wished I'd got it checked sooner before it became a full blown infection.

Thanks ladies for all your kind words; saw the doctor today and he confirmed it's an infection. I was a bit upset and had a wobble earlier as I'm so done with being poked and prodded by doctors (!) but I'm now on antibiotics so fingers crossed it goes quickly...! Xx

Motherof much better to be poked and prodded now than hospitalised with an infection, though I totally understand that feeling of wanting to be left alone, just a bit!x

Hope you feel better soon.
If you're breastfeeding sometimes the antibiotics can give them nappy rash. I found a tiny bit of metanium cleared it right up though.

Thank you for the tip Koalab, I'll keep an eye out for that! xx

Hope you're on the mend now and antibiotics are clearing up the infection.
Warm salt baths can help too 💙