Incision Care After Vaginal Birth
After your baby’s birth, you may have needed stitches in the skin near your vagina. The stitches might have closed an episiotomy (a cut that enlarges the opening of the vagina). You may have needed stitches to repair torn skin. Either way, your stitches should dissolve within a few weeks. Until then, use this handout as a guide to help ease any discomfort and aid healing.
Keep clean
You can reduce your risk of infection by keeping the area around the stitches clean. These hints can help:
- Gently wipe from front to back after you urinate or have a bowel movement.
- After wiping, spray warm water on the stitches. Pat dry. If you are too sore, just spray the area after urination and then pat dry without wiping.
- Do not use soap or any solution except water unless instructed by your healthcare provider.
- Change sanitary pads at least every 2 to 4 hours.
Eat to stay regular
Having bowel movements is easier if you are not constipated. Follow these tips:
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Eat fresh fruit and vegetables, whole grains and bran cereals.
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Drink plenty of water.
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Do not strain to have a bowel movement.
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Ask your healthcare provider about using a stool softener. If you are breastfeeding, ask before you take any medicine.
Reduce your discomfort
Here are some tips to make you more comfortable:
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Sit in a warm bath (sitz bath) but not a bath or hot tub.
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Use (perineal) cold packs on your stitches for the first 24-36 hours. These should be provided to you by the hospital. Sit on a firm seat or inflatable donut so the stitches pull less.
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Use medicated spray (such as dermoplast) as ordered by your healthcare provider.
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Use Tucks pads or witch hazel pads to ease soreness. These can be placed on top of your sanitary pads or used to gently wipe the stitches or as ordered by your healthcare provider.
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When to Call your Healthcare Provider
Call your healthcare provider if you have:
- Heavy or gushing bleeding from the vagina
- Discharge that has a bad odor
- Severe pain in the belly or increased pain near your stitches
- If your episiotomy or tear opens
- Fever or chills
- No bowel movement within one week after the birth of your baby
- Pain or urgency with urination or inability to urinate
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©2000-2023 The StayWell Company, LLC. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional's instructions. This information has been modified by your health care provider with permission from the publisher.