After childbirth, you may have had stitches to repair any
Contact Your OB/GYN. If you are experiencing any of the symptoms described above or believe your perineal tear has reopened, contacting your OB/GYN immediately is in your best interest. Your OB/GYN will likely want to examine you and start you on a treatment plan to assist in your recovery.
Stitches can also tear or become loose, which may cause the wound to reopen. If this occurs, a person should see their doctor as soon as possible so that they can replace the stitches.
If you've had stitches or a tear, doing a poo won't make the tear any bigger, or make your stitches come away. It's understandable to feel vulnerable about this part of your body.
How do I know if this has happened to me? Wound breakdown can cause an increase in pain, new bleeding or pus-like discharge. You may also begin to feel unwell. Sometimes women notice some stitch material coming away soon after they have had their baby, or can see for themselves that the wound has opened.
The stitches in the skin should heal in 5-10 days. The underlying stitches in your muscle layer will take longer to heal. These won't completely heal for 12 weeks. For the stitches that you can see, make sure to watch for any signs of infection.
This happens quite commonly, and when a stitch does come out, it can come to the surface with an inflamed red spot. Usually you can feel something like fishing line around this area. If the suture does “spit,” it is not something to worry about.
Even light stretching can place unwanted pressure on a surgical wound that can tug on stitches.
Virginity, atrophic vagina, congenital abnormalities, scarring or stenosis from surgery, insertion of foreign bodies, and sexual assault all increase the likelihood of tearing during intercourse. Obstetric tears occur during labor when the presentation of the baby stretches the tissues of the vagina and perineum.
It is important not to strain the muscles of your pelvic floor and perineum. Avoid constipation, heavy lifting (e.g. older children, shopping bags, washing baskets) and high impact exercise. If you have a third or fourth degree tear you may need to eat a low fibre diet for the first seven to ten days.
Start by walking a little more than you did the day before. Bit by bit, increase the amount you walk. Walking boosts blood flow and helps prevent pneumonia and constipation. Avoid strenuous activities, such as bicycle riding, jogging, weight lifting, or aerobic exercise, until your doctor says it is okay.
You might have to have your stitches removed and be prescribed antibiotics. You might also need restitching. Antibiotics are normally prescribed when an infection is discovered. If you are prescribed antibiotics, ask your doctor about any concerns you might have about nursing your baby while taking your medication.
Negligent Stitching after Birth
The stitches reduce or completely close the vaginal opening; The stitches do not dissolve; The stitches rip; The stitches are performed incorrectly, causing long-term discomfort.
For those who suffer from dehisced perineal wounds, it can take up to 16 weeks to heal if treated expectantly and can leave the new mother feeling very traumatised. Some of these women may even request that the mode of delivery for subsequent pregnancies will be via caesarean section to avoid further perineal damage.
You may have scarring from your suturing or limited movement of the surrounding skin. This can be uncomfortable and feel like your skin is being pulled. A bulging scar is called a keloid. Keloids can be uncomfortable and itchy and may cause cosmetic concerns.
Breaks in sutures can occur due to inappropriate materials, irregular application angles, improper suture material or suture size, and excessive suture tension.
Watch out for any signs of infection near or around the stitches, such as: swelling. increased redness around the wound. pus or bleeding from the wound.
If your perineum (the area of skin between the vagina and the anus) was cut by your doctor or if it was torn during the birth, the stitches may make it painful to sit or walk for a little while during healing. It also can be painful when you cough or sneeze during the healing time.
After an episiotomy is performed, your doctor or midwife will repair the perineum by stitching the wound closed. The stitches are often black but can be other colors or be clear. You will probably be able to see them if you look at the area between your vulva and anus.
Putting ice on your stitches can help heal your wound faster by easing inflammation. You can get ice packs that you can wear just like pads. These ice packs should be worn for about 10 to 20 minutes to ease pain from stitches after birth.