Post Partum Concerns

GraciesMom189

I didn't know where else to post this and I have concerns with my healing.  I thought others might have concerns as well and need an outlet.

I had an assisted delivery with forceps 3 weeks ago.  My son was in distress and I was only allowed to push for 15 minutes before the doctor made the call (he gave me a choice between forceps and a c-section and said he didn't recommend the c-section.  The baby's heart rate was dropping and he needed to be born quickly).  I sustained a 3rd degree tear type 3a I'm unaware of any injury from the actual forcep use.  I pray none!  

I am 3 weeks and 2 days post delivery and I'm still quite sore.  Is this normal?  I take 600 mg of ibproufen 3 times a day and if I'm late on a dose, I find it hard to move around easily.  My doctor hasn't checked my stitches yet and won't do so before 6 weeks.  Any ideas when I can lift my toddler or a stroller in and out of my car without fear of interfering with my healing.  I'm ready to get out and about and feel better.  I cry a lot about not feeling myself yet.  Mostly in the evenings when I am overtired.  I want to sit in the evenings and hold my baby but the pressure on my sutures is just too uncomfortable and I'd rather lie down.  

Anyone else going through this?  My good friend had a 4th degree a year ago and didn't have pain during the healing phase.  I'm so worried!

smushi

With my first, it was so bad I don't think I left the house until 4 weeks.  I internally felt like a mess and hurt all over, including the suture area.  This time, I've felt 100% better except for a kicked in the vag pain when I get up, walk around, or try to start into a run (pubic symphosis pain).  If your suture area is that painful, though, it never hurts to call your OB or nurse's hotline. 

maelic

It took at least four weeks for me to feel "decent" after my daughter was born. I don't think I left the house for anything besides her doctor's appointments and couldn't sit on anything but a soft pillow. I cried after every shower I took, the hot water made me swell and my stitches were unbearable. It wasn't a forceps delivery but she was 9.5lbs and came out with her fist balled over her face so I tore pretty extensively both in my perineum and up into my vulva. Fun times.

If you think it's infected call right away, but in my experience it was totally normal to still be in a considerable amount of pain 3 weeks in.

This time I got a couple stitches and was roughhousing on the floor with my toddler with no problem as soon as I got home from the hospital. A little sore in the evenings but man, I feel like a million bucks.

Synnovus

I needed an episiotomy with my first. It took quite some time before everything was healing and one of my stitches didn't heal as it should (the knot was too long I think). I had to go to the doc and get it removed. I think I started to feel better around 6 weeks pp. Also second calling your doc if you think it might be infected or healing to slowly. 

meg_2006

I'm assuming this is your first? My recovery with DS1 was much longer, despite sustaining the same degree of tearing both times. It was a good 4 weeks last time before I felt I could walk around. I survived by sitting on a donut pillow a LOT! If you're concerned, call your doctor and ask what they think. It never hurts to be assertive in a situation like this. Your doctor will understand!

GraciesMom189

meg_2006 said:

I'm assuming this is your first? My recovery with DS1 was much longer, despite sustaining the same degree of tearing both times. It was a good 4 weeks last time before I felt I could walk around. I survived by sitting on a donut pillow a LOT! If you're concerned, call your doctor and ask what they think. It never hurts to be assertive in a situation like this. Your doctor will understand!

Thanks for the advice.  I had a vbac.  Second baby, but first vaginal delivery.  Unfortunately the recovery is very similar with a bad tear.  I don't "think" it's infected.  It feels sore on a muscular level.  I wonder if the warm baths I take are making it swell.  The water and Epsom salts feel awesome but I didn't even consider that it may not be helping matters.  

FutureMrsCaesar

I agree that still feeling like crap at 3 weeks with a rough first vaginal delivery is pretty normal.  I tore up and down and had an episiotomy with my first as well as him being 8lbs (I'm very small so for me that was big) and I pushed for an hr and a half, and I literally felt like I had been hit by a bus after I had him. I was sore for a long, long time.  Unfortunately it was 7 yrs ago so I don't remember exactly how long I was in pain and taking Motrin for. I agree with the others, if you think it's infected then call but general pain and discomfort at this point is normal and I'm sure you'll be turning the corner soon!
i only had 3-4 stitches this time and I'm 3w3d out and I definitely still have some discomfort if I move the wrong way or im not careful enough when wiping.  

clairemwalker

I had an episiotomy and i was feeling pretty rough until about 4 weeks pp. now at 5w the sutures are healed, but i still get the swollen vagina feeling intermittantly. Hang in there it will heal!