Episiotomy Healing

Episiotomies are no longer as much in practice as they once were. Earlier, almost 40% of women in labor had to undergo this painful surgery. However, this rate has plummeted drastically in the recent years. But, in certain circumstances, episiotomy may become inevitable. At that time, the concerned woman must be well informed about episiotomy care and recovery. In this article, we have listed some ways of promoting episiotomy healing during the recovery period. But before that, let us understand a few things about this surgery in brief.

What is Episiotomy?

During natural vaginal births, the vagina stretches to its full capacity to allow the baby to pass. In the process, the adjoining tissues of perineum (area between vagina and rectum) also stretches. It is also common for this region to sustain tears when the baby comes out. Since, the labor may go on for hours, the baby might become distressed in certain cases. At such times, it is imperative to speed up the birthing process. This is achieved by a surgical process named episiotomy. In this process, a small incision is made in the perineum, which helps the vagina to open up. This facilitates the baby to quickly pass out of the mother's womb.

The situations in which episiotomy is generally recommended are low fetal heartbeat, large baby, abnormal position of the baby in uterus and medical emergencies. Earlier, midwives and doctors believed that episiotomy was better than natural tear that occurs during childbirth, because episiotomy is a surgical clean cut, hence shows better healing. However, it has been found that women who undergo episiotomy suffer from problems such as incontinence, short term sexual dysfunction etc. Besides, episiotomy healing time was found to be more than natural tear healing. This is the reason why doctors and midwives today do not recommend this procedure unless absolutely necessary.

Episiotomy Healing

Postpartum care for episiotomy should begin as soon as you are out of the labor room. The nurse will most likely place ice packs on your wound and apply pain-relieving medications. The stitches of the surgery get absorbed over the time. However, the open cut needs to be taken care of until it heals completely. Most doctors prescribe pain relieving medications such as paracetamol and antiseptic creams to avoid infections. Besides, you can follow certain small measures that may promote faster healing. Applying ice packs on the wound is a great way to reduce the swelling and numb the pain. However, do not place the pack directly on the wound as it can freeze the skin and cause further problems. A thin towel or an underwear can be used in between skin and ice pack to prevent direct contact.

Special hemorrhoid pads and witch hazel pads also effectively aid in faster healing of the wound. However, change the pads whenever required. It is important to keep the area clean and dry to avoid infections. Soaking your bottom in bathtub may also provide some relief. A sitz bath with herbs can be more advantageous. Squirt lukewarm water on the wound to disinfect it every time you use a toilet. In fact, squirting water while you are urinating helps to reduce the sting and disinfect the wound. Follow general hygiene practices throughout your episiotomy recovery period. Wear cotton panties all the time and expose the wound to air for some time during the day. Walking and kegel exercises can help to strengthen the pelvic muscles.

The perineum region is naturally designed to undergo tears and quickly heal. Hence, you can expect to resume your normal routine within a few weeks of this surgery. Do consult your doctor in case there is an evidence of infection or other problem.