Stitches

What pain is normal pain after birth? I'm a first time mom and I'm worried about what is "normal". Any help?

I gave birth 5 days ago vaginally. I tore. One tear that was inside to outside and needed stitches. The doc didn't tell me how many she did but she was there for awhile, if I remember correctly (I was a bit drugged up and exhausted). I've been trying to read up on other ppl's questions about after birth pain and it seems scattered. A lot of people said you shouldn't be in much pain at all and within days you're nearly back to normal. I feel like my stitches tug and I'm quite sore in my "bottom" and I still walk really slow and it takes some maneuvering to get up from sitting or laying down. It burns the outside when I pee (I use the spray bottle). And I get a wierd sensation when I pee- that feeling when you've been holding it for a long time- every time. So am I normal? What is normal?

Public Comments

1. I was VERY uncomfortable for at least a week after giving birth and being sewn up. It takes at least a couple of weeks. Don't worry. I think "afterbirth" pains are cramps you get, like menstrual cramps, caused by your uteruse contracting to get back to its original size. You sound "normal" to me. If you're really concerned about anything, talk to your ObGyn. They know the answers to all these questions and have answered them a thousand times. Congratulations!
2. It sounds like you had a pretty bad tear, so it will be sore for several days. Try taking an otc pain reliever like tylenol or ibuprofen for the discomfort. You should be cleansing with tucks pads after you use the bathroom, the witch hazel will be soothing. You can even leave 1-2 in your underwear if you want. If you still have a sitz bath, you can still be using it, the warm water will sooth the sore bottom and increase blood flow to the area (which will aid in healing.) I had a bad tear with my first child, and was pretty sore for a couple of weeks. By the way, if you have stopped taking stool softeners, you may want to take them for a few more days until you a feeling better. Feel Free to e-mail me if you need anything, I'll try to help.
3. well w/my first I tore on both sides vertically and needed stitches the only thing they told me that they would dissolve and to use the spray bottle. they never told me that u still have contractions after labor, to shrink the uterus. everything was pretty sore for a couple of weeks. and mine felt tight as well it was hard to walk around and use the bathroom. ever thing u said was the same 4 me pretty much. I didn't have any drugs (I delivered in the car) so I don't know if that may have any affects.I would say if it persists for a long time to call your Dr. But to me it sounds pretty normal. good luck I hoped I helped.
4. If you have internal stitches, which you do, you will be sore longer than if you had external, or no stitches. Everyone heals differently. I had a friend that had internal and she was still super sore after 3 weeks. Keep using your spray bottle until you are done bleeding. Don't push yourself to do too much in a day. Just do what you can. 5 days is still pretty early and I wouldn't worry too much about pain. You can take Advil for the pain even if you are nursing and try sitting on ice like you did at the hospital. that should help with the pain. Normal is whatever is normal for you. I wouldn't think that you have anything to worry about. If you are super worried you could always talk to a public health nurse, or your doctor at your baby's next visit (which should be in a few days).
5. I was in real pain for about 6 days and discomfort for about a week or two after that. I broke my cocyx (tailbone) when i was about nine rollerskating (curses to Xanadu!) and it never healed properly, so that shifted during child birth, and further added to the after pain. If the burning sensation continues, you could ask for a urine test to see if you have a UTI, but otherwise, i think it's just normal and you'll have to weather it out. Good luck and congratulations on your new baby.
6. i was miserably sore like you are describing for about 2 weeks after delivery. we had a rushed delivery...where you push even if you are not in a contraction..since my son was showing signs of fetal distress. My cervix tore and needed emergency surgery in the OR after the delivery. It is a normal feeling for stitches to feel like they are tugging inside. Also the very full feeling while urinating can easily be caused by swelling and irritation in the pelvis that hasn't subsided yet. i was prescribed Tylonel 3 because of what I went through. Definately if you are concerned call your ob and they can schedule an earlier exam to make sure you are healing right and to make sure you haven't developed any infection.
7. That sounds normal to me. I had an episiotomy my first one, and it hurt for 2-3 days like that, burning when I peed, and then ITCHED for another 3-4 days after that. I sat on an ice pack for most of the first 4 days, and it really helped. If you get a fever, call your doctor immediately, but it sounds like you're mostly okay.
8. Everything you've described is completely normal!! It takes a while to feel completely 'normal' after having a baby and stitches but usually by your six week checkup you should feel somewhat better. You'll probably still feel wierd though. Make sure you keep an eye out for infection and let your doctor know if you suspect any. Hope this helps!
9. If you had a tear, it is normal to be in pain for a longer time. I had some tears and an episiotomy and terribly aggravated piles so I was in pain for a month. But the worst time was the first 2 weeks. I couldn't walk or sit normally, I couldn't even lift my feet enough to put my pants on. I hated it. I still had pain in some of sites of the stitches for 4 months after birth. But everything eventually goes away. Just keep the site clean and disinfected the way the doctor told you.