Hard skin at episiotomy wound

[Fary]

Hi all, I had my baby delivered a week ago. It was a vaginal delivery with episiotomy. My stitches got infected 3 days ago for which i have started taking antibiotics prescribed by the GP. Now, today I can feel that the skin at one of the stitches has become really hard and is painful. Has someone else experiened this? I am so fed up, its been a week since delivery and seems like the healing process is going to take ages. Looking forward to hear some advice from tou guys. Xx

[mamasteph]

Hi! Congratulations on your little one. I had a significant tear on delivery and like you I felt surprised and low about the length of the healing process. It took a long time before I felt comfortable walking long distances and my pelvic floor function is still not what it was 4.5 months down the line despite doing loads of exercises. I think the stitches go through lots of phases including an itchy phase which is horrible but a sign that things are healing. Sadly labour gives our bodies a battering that takes a while to recover from physically and emotionally but you will get there gradually. I don't mean to be disheartening but I found it helpful to lower my expectations! Best of luck xx

[roxannacar]

I'm afraid the healing process takes much longer than a week. Also if things got infected it might take a little longer. Are you still being followed up by midwives? Might be worth asking them to have a look when they see you.

Make sure you fake your pain killers regularly if it's hurting, and keep your bowels soft and constipation doesn't make things pleasant. The first few weeks are hard, but try and focus on the positive aka baby

[JDaisy]

It took me about 6weeks to start to feel normal down there after an episiotomy and even longer for it to be comfortable for intercourse. I looked after 6 weeks and didn't think it'll ever look normal again but it does heal up.....just takes a lot longer than expected.