Third degree tears.

[Georgina_D]

Did anybody have a third degree tear with a vaginal birth despite having an episiotomy? If so how did you cope afterwards?

[hac82]

Bathe and keep it clean and dry daily have a warm bath which is nice and relaxing and will help keep clean and heal. Just take it easy it will heal before you know it xx

[hac82 in reply to hac82]

Also wear big cottton knickers! No tight jeans for a while just live in pjs or joggers or something like that. Cotton is always best xx

[hac82]

If I’m honest I think mine was still tender now and again up to a year after. The scar area would sometimes bleed. But that was me. X all the best

[Hidden]

Yes! And these were an absolute godsend! I can’t recommend them enough! (Just sit on a plastic bag if you’re on you’re sofa as they do melt a bit!). prettyprovidence.com/diy-pa...

I also kept a jug of water by the loo to help with the pee sting. I had a few salty bath soaks too to keep everything clean. I lost three stitches right at the beginning over a few days which did frighten me but I was told not to worry by the midwife.

I healed after three weeks or so and have not had any problems since.

Hope you recover soon!

[Hidden]

I was told by the hospital to add a few drops of tea tree oil to bath water as it aids healing and to bath every day but nobody warned me about going for a poo! (Sorry tmi) but I had to press on my stitches as I felt like they were going to rip out. My stitches didn’t dissolve for some unknown reason so I had the cut out after three weeks I was tender for around two months and left with a jagged scar down there which it took me a long time to come to terms with but now I love my unique reminder of my beautiful boy and with my second I didn’t need to be cut or tear at all! I hope you feel better soon xxx

[Hermias]

Drink a fibre drink (Fybogel) to loosen your stools - my hospital prescribed them to me. I had no pain going to the toilet thanks to that.

[roxannacar]

I had a third degree but no episiotomy, second time small tear needing stitches despite baby being bigger.

Luckily mine healed quite well, used regular paracetamol and ibuprofen for the first week and laxido (movicol) to avoid constipation.

Also used to rinse with water every time I could after the using the toilet and pat dry with towel (not rub)

[Georgina_D in reply to roxannacar]

I can't believe you had another vaginal birth after a 3rd degree tear! It's too soon, but I think I would want a c section next time x

[roxannacar in reply to Georgina_D]

I was offered a section. Was told 5-7% chance of a further 3rd degree test but opted for normal delivery. Thing is c sections are not free from problems... both immediately and long term. Can't drive for 6 weeks after a c section and you have lots of stitches still and wouldn't be able to carry my toddler. Not to mention the possible long term problems after any abdominal operation you can run into. Of course if I needed a c section then I would have had one as baby's health is first and foremost.

My wound healed well and after two years no reason to have another one ... healing takes a few weeks so waiting 2 years or 4 isn't going to make a difference really. I must say I had no regrets of choosing a normal delivery

[ChrisWest1983]

I had only 2nd degree tear and it sounds like it makes such a big difference that 2nd or 3rd! After giving birth I even did not feel like I gave birth as I never had pain/ swelling/ stinging- was bouncing about straight away/ hospital gave me some stronger painkillers to take home - never opened them... (mind-baby was small full term 6lb1oz)

Now I can see it looks different down there but never saw one stich as they sew it in such amazing way.

Good luck in healing!x

[Varazsfuvola]

Gliceryn suposotories were werking for me the best !

[Varazsfuvola]

I also think this could be a lifesaver...:'NAVAdeal 400ml Portable Handheld Bidet Personal Hygiene Bathroom Aid Douche Sprayer. ' i couldnt incl. screenshot but search it on amazon.its kike a smal spray bottle which can be filled with water etc. and can help wash yourself at the senditive area.

[Georgina_D]

Sorry tmi but is it normal to feel itchy down there 2 weeks later? I've been told I don't have an infection but the area around my stitches is itchy and irritated now