Perineal stitches bleeding

[LouiseKira]

I'm 12 days post birth. Last night I was (TMI!) trying to have a poop, I wasn't really straining, but suddenly there were loads of blood dripping. I dabbed with tissue, and realised the blood was coming from my stitches on my perineum. I freaked out, dabbed very lightly as the bleeding slowed and went back to bed.

Today, this afternoon I dabbed after seeing and I must have disturbed them as had the same rush of fresh blood. I've had a look and got my DH to look and it looks like my stitches have come lose and looks like it's gaping!

I'm freaked out and feel terrified. I called midwife and they basically said they won't do anything if there's no sign of infection. Just take it easier, no more baths, just showers, and hope that it still heals? And that if not I need to bring it up with my go at 6 week appointment?

It's my first child ' I'm terrified I'm not gonna heal now. Has anyone else had this experience and still healed? Please help!!

You need stool softeners until you’re completely healed (and healing takes months rather than weeks). You can get Movicol or Laxido OTC from a pharmacy.

Take it very very easy in the meantime.

Hi the exact same thing happened to me 7 days after birth, i called my maternity unit which they checked and confirmed my stitches was gaping. Unfortunately they can't do anything for it you just have to keep it clean best way you can. Mine took about 3-4 weeks to heal (it heals from bottom tissue to top) mine healed fine (obviously doesn't look the same) but it's noticeable where i was gaping as the scar tissue is thin.
I hope this helps x

Hmm, can you ask to go up and ask to get your perineum checked?

Otherwise, I’d make sure to keep it clean, keep on top of your pain relief and perhaps use a clean pad to hold against your stitches when you have another bowel movement.

This also happened to me and I was in soooo much pain! You think it’s never going to end, but it does! I took a picture on my phone (never do this 😂) and honestly I didn’t think the gaping hole would ever heal. But it does!! Hang in there! Just keep legs together when you get up/out of the car, keep is clean and poor warm water when you wee!