3a tear

[Sammytoby]

I gave birth on wednesday with a 3a tear. I was given a stool softener to take every day and took it yesterday and immediately after i had a normal solid poo with full control and not uncomfortable, but today I had a very loose bowel movement and couldn’t get to the toilet in time. It was hard to clean as im struggling with standing or sitting for too long and finding bits even after shower + peri bottle. I’m hoping this was just caused by the stool softener on top of not having much food the last few days. I’ve since been having some tight cramps which I did also have last night so I’m worried it’s going to happen again.
I have to travel to see the midwife tomorrow for a stitch check and I’m anxious about going, especially in case there’s still residue. I’m also struggling a bit emotionally I can’t move much, sit or walk comfortably, and I feel like I’ve barely been able to hold my baby. My partner is doing nearly everything and although I’m grateful, it’s upsetting watching everyone else bond while I feel stuck and recovering.
Has anyone else been through similar with a 3a tear? Did things improve once stools firmed up and swelling went down? Any reassurance or experiences would really help.

Can you ask midwife to come out to you OP? Rather than travelling. If you explain how much you're struggling I'm hoping they will accommodate

The midwife usually comes to you, or they did with me!

Baths with salt, help the healing process.
(Advice given to me by a MW, she said lay in the bath with your legs up letting the salt water get to your stitches, it will help with healing and infection control, just make sure you air out your stitches after)
I had a 2nd degree tear, not as bad as you of course.
But i still felt a lot of discomfort and irriation. A midwife came to my house twice, on day 1 and day 3 because i couldnt walk very far or be active for long.

They should come to you really, especislly if your struggling. Id just give them a call😄

Also congratulations x

Hi @Sammytobycongratulations! I had a 3a tear, and a episiotomy (clearly didn’t help). The first couple of weeks were really difficult, but about 2 weeks I get much better. Try to take it easy, I found the days I did too much, really made everything more painful that evening and night.
Find yourself a comfortable position, propped up with pillows, to take some of the weight off, when sitting.
Keep dosed up with ibuprofen and paracetamol x

Arnica gel will help - will sting like anything but speeds up healing

Use WYPE gel - that will make it easier to get cleaned up plus aid with healing

Can't remember now if I had a 3A or 3B tear but was horrendous combined with losing 2 litres of blood and episiotomy - just take the time you need to heal and do the exercises as well, don't rush to do too much before you are ready as you don't want lasting damage. I went for a c section for the 2nd as wasn't risking that again!