'Downstairs' Question

Hiya,

I had an investigation of the 'downstairs' area this morning to check how things are going. I've noticed that my vagina is very big and open still. I know it's only been 4 weeks but it looks totally gross now. I'm almost thinking that I ripped towards my anus (sorry!!) and that he hasn't stitched me up properly (apparently I only got 2 stitch on the outside and a few on the inside and that's it after a fairly traumatic birth). It's gotten me a bit upset just thinking that he hasn't done it right and has left me with a massive opening down there. It's totally put me off sex with DH because it looks totally horrible and I wouldn't be able to let him look at it or even do anything down there.

I hope someone could give me some advice or should I just wait for my 6 week checkup.

Thanks in advance.

Hi Bubseykel,

I had a fairly traumatic birth (forcep delivery with stitches) with my 1st. I also felt very
'open' and achy downstairs as well. I felt like my uterus was going to fall out whenever I stood or sat to long and this was for quite a few months afterwards. Sometimes the ache was just unbearable. I actually had proud tissue which had to have silver nitrate applied! but that wasn't until 3 months after delivery.

If you are really concerned I would visit your GP, but remember everything will still be very swollen and does not really settle for at least 6 weeks. But for piece of mind your GP could have a quick look and advise you if you need to book in earlier with your OBs

I was unable to even contemplate anything with DH for a good 7 months before I felt as close to normal as possible. I have read somewhere recently that it can take a good 12 months to fully recover from your first birth.

The great news is, that it is no where near like that with 2nd bubbas. I felt fantastic with him after 6 weeks, and was back to normal within 8 including DTD!

I hope this helps!

Just make sure you continue to do your pelvic floor muscle exercises and you'll be fine!!

Bubs mine is still like that to an extent and it has been two years since I last gave birth. I think to an extent it is only natural for things to change down there. I have not ever been worried about it (mind you I couldn't believe it when I first noticed), and I have done all my pelvic floor exercises too. But if you are worried, then it wouldn't hurt to have your GP/OB look at it for you.

Kelly, you've probably had your 6 week check-up by now, but just wanted to add that when I first looked down there (and it took me about 4 weeks to get up the courage!) I was pretty horrified. But it took forever for things to settle down. I would say easily 3-4months for me. So try not to feel too worried about it!

Julie

I swear every woman goes through this! I remember crying because I thought I'd tore something VERY important LOL! But it was a UTI and I was fine... (Although I'm still trying to figure out how my brain told me that was physically possible)

Yes sometimes it can need to be checked out but the majority of the time its just part of the healing. Doesn't hurt to go to the GP just to be on the safe side. Although remember depending on your lochia it may be hard for them to tell.

*hugs*
Cailin