[BlueEyedLady]

When my DS was born, the OB told me I had a "little bit of a tear" that she would stitch up. I asked her if she had to stitch it, she told me she didn't have to, but in the long run I would really prefer it stitched. So I said fine - I honestly didn't care at the time since DS was only minutes old and my focus was on him.

Everything healed great, I had no problems at all. At my 6 week pp checkup she said everything looked good and it had healed well. I never did ask her how bad the tear was, I never looked, and I didn't want to know. Honestly, I still get squeamish when I think about that particular part of my body tearing, so I always figured the more in the dark about it I was, the happier I was.

Fast forward to this pregnancy. In the little over a year before I got pregnant after DS was born, I had absolutely no problems with it. But now, it's very, very tender. Very sensitive. Hurts a little to sit, actually. Not terrible, but it is mildly uncomfortable. I was on progesterone suppositories for 10 weeks and they HURT to put in because of the sensitivity. Even wiping after using the bathroom hurts.

There's no infection or anything, no inflammation. I'm assuming this has something to do with the increased bloodflow to the area during pregnancy, right? If you're on your second pregnancy or more, and you tore with a prior one, is this normal?

 

[2boyzmama]

DDC crashing from Sept.

I had a 3rd degree episiotomy with my first and 2nd degree tear with my second, and I haven't noticed it hurting. It did hurt off an on between my first and second pregnancy, but it didn't heal correctly after my first. My OB offered to re-stitch it or to just "let it tear again" when my second was born and fix it then, which is what I chose to do.

Are you sure you don't have a bit of yeast? Try some witch hazel pads maybe. Otherwise...I'm at a loss!

 

[threadbey]

I'm sorry.

I had one small 1st degree tear and my midwife said she could stitch it but didn't need to and didn't really recommend it, so I didn't have stitches. I haven't noticed it AT ALL since it healed and it has been no different since getting PG. If I were you, I'd bring it up with my doc. You could also look in your labor and delivery records if you have a copy - that should mention the tear and what degree it was, location, and number of stitches, I would think.

 

[Sungold17]

humm. I don't know. I'd ask the m\w. I had a 3rd degree natural tear with Garrett (Hoping to avoid that this time!) It hurt for a long time until I started massaging it with some oil. I just used olive oil although I have heard vit e works good. Once I did that a few times the pain went away.

I'd be curious to see what your m\w says.

 

[abigail_b]

I would ask m/w too. I had a second degree tear with DS that was stiched..it hasn't been bothering me at all since it originally healed (except related to having "relations" with DH- but that eventually subsided and was also related to the mega BFing hormones).

 

[Palmetto210]

Hi there. I was just noticing today how different my lower regions have "felt" with each pregnancy!

My hunch is that what you're observing is the increased blood flow to the vulva plus pressure from your uterus.

This is my third pregnancy.

During my first, my PC muscles were in awesome shape. I did Kegels all the time for like 5 years before getting pg, and I was in excellent health.

At the final moments of my first delivery (natural) I tore for a complete 3rd degree/possible 4th. My midwife and the two OBs debated this issue for a while. That took a while to heal. My PC muscles have never felt the same, despite lots of kegels, some repair surgery and various estrogen creams. Though all those things did help.

During the first half of my 2nd pregnancy, I remember an all-the-time heavy feeling in my vulva. Kinda like a really, really heavy menses, except there was nothing, not even copious CM. Anyway, it turns out during that pregnancy I developed minor vulvar varicosities. These were not too bothersome.

I did experience moderate pain after delivery #1 due to significant scarring, lots of granulation tissue (which was removed 2x..that was a weird experience), and what turned out to be benign cysts along my scar lines. My midwife and I tried the wait and see approach. When baby #2 turned one and I was still uncomfortable during intercourse, I opted to have the cysts removed, the scar tissue cleaned up, and once again took estrogen. It made SUCH a difference, I felt like a newlywed again!

Now I am on my 3rd pregnancy. Once again I have noticed that familiar heaviness, though less intense than last time. My PC muscles are probably a bit weaker, and my MW has told me I need to consider hormone therapy/surgery long-term. Who knows really?

I do feel pressure when I first stand up, but once I'm moving around, things settle into place. Massage is a good idea. I also try to avoid consitpation since difficult BMs do cause discomfort.

 

[BlueEyedLady]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Palmetto210 During the first half of my 2nd pregnancy, I remember an all-the-time heavy feeling in my vulva. Kinda like a really, really heavy menses, except there was nothing, not even copious CM.

This is a REALLY good way to describe the feeling. But along with that, the sensitivity and tenderness.

So what I'm gathering (thanks everybody who replied) is that this isn't necessarily normal and I should talk with my OB. So I'll do that when I see her next. I thought maybe it was normal for someone who'd torn before and just wanted to see what you all had to say.

Oh - in regards to yeast - for all I know that might be an issue. I've considered it...but I've never, not once, had a yeast infection so I wouldn't know what one would feel like if I did. But it certainly wouldn't hurt to add some yogurt into my diet (it's in my fridge anyway for DS) and see if it helps.

 

[fyrebloom]

I'm no help. I had a 2nd degree episiotomy that tore to the 4th degree and a 2nd degree tear on the side. I've not had any trouble with them since they healed. I think the olive oil massage is a great idea and the pressure may very well be causing you the prob.

 

[boobs4milk]

I had an episiotomy that tore requiring 27 stitches (dr. said 4th degree???). I was MONTHS before I could poop or have sex without pain.

I've noticed that since then, I get that weird pressure feeling down there during AF and when pg. That was over 14 yrs ago for me and I still have the pressure, but the stinging and pain are not present until I give birth again!

Hugs, I hope you feel better soon!

 

[Gremco]

I tore and had an episiotomy with my first. I didn't find out until I was being stitched after my second birth that the first tear never healed quite right. It explained why I always just felt sore. I noticed an increase in the sensitivity after getting pregnant. I guess the added pressure aggravated things.