Episiotomy Care

Episiotomy is a surgical procedure where a small cut is made at the vaginal opening and surrounding structures during childbirth to help facilitate the passage of the baby through the birth canal by widening the vagina and avoiding a natural tear of the area.

Usually, this procedure is done under local anesthesia and repaired after the birth of the baby and the explusion of the placenta.

Episiotomy care.

These are the activities done to facilitate wound healing resulting from the episiotomy procedure as well as reduce discomfort in the site of repair.

1. Avoid constipation by eating more of fibers such as moderately prepared green leafy vegetables, potatoes, oats, etc to help soften the stool.
2. Use ice packs in the first 24 hours after birth that can help decrease the swelling and help with pain.
3. Take warm baths but make sure the bathtub is cleaned with disinfectants before bath.
4. Do sitz bath by sitting in warm water covering your vulva area for a minimum of two times daily, to soothe and promote healing in the area.
5. Ensure to change your pads every two to four hours a day to prevent infection.
6. Keep the area around the stitches clean and dry. Dab the area with a clean towel after bathing.
7. After urinating or passing stool, use warm water over the area and dab with a clean towel or baby wipes. Do not use toilet paper.
8. Mild exercises as the wound healing progresses would help aid further healing and release of the pelvic muscles.
9. Take pain relief medications as prescribed by the doctor/healthcare provider.

The episiotomy wound would take few weeks to heal with proper care.

Call the doctor or go to the hospital if:

1. The pain gets worse.
2. If you are constipated.
3. You pass a large blood clot than normal.
4. You have discharge with bad odour.
5. If the repair opens up / breaks down.