Stitches

hey! mine were checked by the HV on their first visit and my midwife, i think some likely won’t check unless you ask. the GP will check it if requested at your 6 week check. i found by 3 weeks mine still had a lot of healing to do, it felt a lot worse before it got better! just keep topped up with your pain killers. if you have any concerns about healing i’d call your maternity triage, not sure if it’s the same for your trust but mine look after you 4 weeks PP if you or baby have any medical issues! (i had concerns with mine after putting a mirror down there 🤦🏽‍♀️ and called triage, they had me checked over by a doctor - my stitches tore a little and i had some medication prescribed) i hope you feel better soon, and you and baby are doing well xx

They don't get checked? My 6 week appointment was over the phone. Just take care when sitting. Flush with water after going to the washroom. Use a sitz bath to help with healing

Thanks guys got an appointment with my GP on Wednesday xxx

It's completely normal to still be sore/in discomfort. Everyone heals differently. Just keep an eye out for infection and make sure to pat dry after your bath/shower and same after using the toilet. Regularly change pads(if youre still using them) to ensure the area is kept as dry as possible and less exposed to moisture. Also keep topped up on ibuprofen and paracetamol. I got an appointment at the doctors when I was concerned about my stitches x

Mine were only checked by midwives. I think the midwives checked me twice before I was discharged and then I had a specialist appointment a few weeks later when they checked but this appointment was only because I had a 4th degree tear. The gp definitely didn't check at my pp appointment but of course you could ask them if nobody else has.

@Jess thanks I haven't had mine checked at all :( xxx

The midwife should have offered to check at every postnatal contact. If they haven’t this is poor and should be raised with the community team!

Mine were never checked. I was in hospital for 5 days as baby was early and they did offer once or twice but I never felt it was needed and then that was it, no one offered again 😅 If you feel something is not quite right definitely reach out to your gp or midwife ☺️

@Ceri-Ann they only asked how they are but tbh I couldn't give an answer because I'm not 100% sure where they are and when asked I advised they were sore but not once did they check them. Xxx

@Lauryn thanks I have contacted the GP today and have an appointment Wednesday xxx

@Katie this is really poor. As they’re still sore I’d call triage at the hospital. You are still under their care until 6 weeks postnatal and someone should have offered to look. Also GPs are shocking at postnatal care!

Yeah healthcare is garbage these days. You have to advocate for yourself

Midwife should check on every visit to you c

@Jade they never have :( xxxx

Community midwife checked mine when they came to check on us on discharge and GP also check when they do you and baby’s routine checks. Can take a little while to get back to normal so dont worry. If your worried about infection though ring for an urgent assessment due to the area and risk x

i never got checked my ob just said to reach out if i have any pain or discomfort past 6 weeks. everywhere does it differently

See a nurse or gp, mine took 6 weeks to fully heal and was told would be 10 days (I had a near 3rd degree tear). I needed a swab done after the 3rd week of being stitched and needed antibiotics and given a liquid to smear in a pad to help