Recovery From an Episiotomy or Perineal TearCurrent as of: November 20, 2015 Author: Healthwise Staff Medical Review: Sarah Marshall, MD - Family Medicine & Kirtly Jones, MD - Obstetrics and Gynecology |
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Recovery From an Episiotomy or Perineal TearIf you had an incision ( episiotomy ) or a tear in the area between your vagina and anus ( perineum ) during delivery, your doctor or nurse-midwife will repair it with stitches, using a local anesthetic . An ice pack will be placed against your perineum to ease pain and swelling. Recovery from an episiotomy or tear can be uncomfortable or quite painful, depending on how deep and long the incision or tear is. Pain typically affects sitting, walking, urinating, and bowel movements for at least a week. Your first bowel movement may be quite painful. An episiotomy or tear is usually firmly healed within 3 weeks but can take longer. To reduce pain and promote healing:
When to call a doctorCall your health professional immediately if you develop severe pain, fever, or uneven swelling, or if the wound begins to weep fluid, separate, or smell bad. Call your health professional today if you develop moderate pain, a low-grade fever below 100.4°F (38°C), increased redness or swelling, or increased pain when urinating or having a bowel movement. Current as of: November 20, 2015 Author: Healthwise Staff Medical Review: Sarah Marshall, MD - Family Medicine & Kirtly Jones, MD - Obstetrics and Gynecology |
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