Stitches (poss TMI)

Those of you who have had perineum stitches after birth, how long did it take for then to heal? It's been 4 days since F was born and to start with the stitches didn't bother me but they're now starting to irritate me when getting up off the sofa, sitting down, etc and I just seem to be able to feel that they're there more than I did before. Is this normal? The MW came round today and was happy with how they're healing but I was just wondering whether perhaps the irritation of them is because they're healing.

When I told my midwife mine felt tighter she said that meant it was all healing up xx

I was very much like you and noticed the irritation from stitches after a few days so I would say it was normal. I think my stitches were dissolved by about 3 weeks. x

I had an episiotomy. Days 1-3 were fine, by the end of day 4 I was in serious agony. It was awful and worse than my c-section recovery. When the MW checked me on day 5 she asked if I was sure I'd had an epi as I was healing so well, it certainly didn't feel that way though! Sounds normal. Big hugs though, it sucks x 

I was the same as you, nothing for the first 3 days and then really felt them for the next 2 weeks.  Having a nice soak in the bath helped (when D let me!!)

I don't remember timescales, but I do remember it hurt more as time went on! I asked the MW to check one day as it felt so sore, but she said it was fine and healing well.  Seems a common thing from what others have posted too.

I remember the pain getting worse too, seems to be fairly normal.  Try and keep yourself as dosed up as you can, you're still only a few days after the event.  A soak in the bath & rest is good too, if you get a chance!  I think I used to sit on a hot water bottle too.  Oh the joy x

I've been finding a bath really helps so will continue with that. I thought it was too good to be true when they felt fine Thanks all x

Have a bath to soak them as often as you can -it really helps. Can't remember when my episiotomy stitches dissolved but they certainly got less uncomfortable as time went on. Saying that, and without wishing to scare (as I think I have it particularly bad ) I still get discomfort from mine now every so often. 

I think it's normal in the first few days as there will be a bit of swelling as well and it makes them feel tight. I was recommended lavender oil for the bath or tea tree oil. 

I had internal stitches & wasn't warned about the stinging when you pee. I was advised to pee in the shower or pour a jug of warm water when I did go.

Not sure if that's the same as your stitches. I've been having nightly baths too which have helped. I use tea tree oil but as it just sits on the top of the bath water you need to mix it with a small amount of milk before you pour it in the bath. It can sting a little to start with but I think it's really helping mine to heal x

Mine took about 4 weeks to heal and definitely felt worse before they felt better.  

A nightly bath with tea tree oil and salt really helped me.

I had similar feelings after a couple of days and my midwife recommended lavendar oil in my bath.  Add about 8 drops to a cup of milk, pop it into your bath and just relax and enjoy.

N xx

it'll take a good few days but bath or shower at least 3 times a day to keep them from drying out and going 'crunchy' and possibly try wearing 2 maternity pads (one on top of the other) to give you extra padding when sitting (a tip from my midwife) xx