You had an episiotomy or a tissue tear during your baby’s birth. An episiotomy is a cut (incision) made to make the opening of the vagina larger. A tear happens on its own. The healthcare provider used stitches to repair the skin in or near your vagina. The stitches will dissolve on their own in a few weeks. They don’t need to be removed by your healthcare provider.
Preventing infection
Lower the risk of infection by keeping your stitches clean. To do this:
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Gently wipe from front to back after you have a bowel movement.
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After wiping, spray warm water on the stitches. Pat dry.
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After peeing, it's OK not to wipe. Just spray with warm water and then pat dry.
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Don’t use soap or any fluid except water unless your healthcare provider advises it.
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Change your sanitary pads at least every
2 to 4 hours.
Preventing constipation
Follow these suggestions:
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Eat fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and bran cereals.
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Drink 6 to 8 glasses of water every day, unless told otherwise.
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Don’t strain to have a bowel movement.
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Ask your healthcare provider if you should use a stool softener.
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If you are breastfeeding, ask your provider before you take any medicine.
Easing pain
Try to make yourself more comfortable by:
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Sitting in a warm, shallow water bath (sitz bath).
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Placing cold packs or heat packs on your stitches. Keep a thin towel between the pack and your skin.
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Sitting on a firm seat so that the stitches pull less.
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Using medicated spray as ordered by your healthcare provider.
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Talking with your provider about using an anti-inflammatory medicine such as ibuprofen to ease the pain.
Follow-up care
Make a follow-up appointment as directed.
When to call your healthcare provider
Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of these:
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Blood clots the size of a quarter or larger that keep coming from your vagina
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Heavy or gushing bleeding from your vagina
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Smelly fluid from your vagina
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Severe pain in the stomach or worse pain near your stitches
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Fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher, or as directed by your healthcare provider
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Shaking chills
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No bowel movement within 1 week after the birth of your baby
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Trouble peeing
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Pain or urgency when you pee
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Stitches that come out or pieces of stitches passing from your vagina
