A cut in the perineum, or episiotomy, is a procedure performed by some obstetricians to make it easier for the baby to pass during vaginal delivery. Usually, it is a painless process since it is performed with anesthesia. However, it can be very uncomfortable afterwards. It is a cut made in the muscle area between the vagina and the anus. Because it is located in an intimate area, which is moist and covered, the healing process can take longer than in other parts of the body1.
Normally, complete healing of the episiotomy occurs within a month. But some women may have their stitches absorbed or fall out before or after this period, as it depends on the body and the care taken. Episiotomy stitches do not need to be removed at the hospital. Some essential care measures are necessary for faster healing:
- Wear cotton underwear
- Change pads frequently
- Wash the area with water and soap after every visit to the bathroom
- Avoid physical exertion
- Maintain a proper diet
Some foods are known as healing foods and are excellent allies for women who have undergone an episiotomy. For example: eggs, fish (such as sardines, tuna, and salmon), gelatin, milk and dairy products, which help in tissue formation and reduce the chances of inflammation. Eating fruits like kiwi, orange, strawberry, and pineapple accelerates collagen production and makes the skin firmer2. Carrots, tomatoes, beets, broccoli, mango, and spinach help control bleeding and prevent skin inflammations, making healing easier and faster.
Hygiene should be done during the shower using neutral soap. This cleaning is also necessary after every trip to the bathroom to prevent urine and feces from contacting the stitches and causing inflammation. The motion of cleaning should be from the vagina towards the anus, to prevent contamination. The use of healing ointments is not always recommended. They should only be used if prescribed by the obstetrician.
IMPORTANT: If you want to have a vaginal delivery and do not want an episiotomy, talk to your obstetrician in advance. Not all doctors perform or support this practice, but it is important to express your wishes and your opinion about the procedure.
Sex should only be resumed after complete healing of the stitches and when the woman feels comfortable. Respecting your body, your desires, and your limits is essential for full recovery and to return to an active sex life.
Respect and understanding from your partner are also part of the process. Some women are able to have intercourse after one month, but others may need a longer recovery period to feel safe. Fear of reopening the stitches in the beginning is inevitable. Therefore, caution is the best course. If there is redness, severe pain, or discharge from the stitches, you should return to your obstetrician for evaluation.
Inflamed C-Section – What to Do?
A cesarean section is one of the methods of childbirth performed by obstetricians. Even though it is considered a birth, it is a major surgery, as an incision needs to be made in the abdomen and uterus to remove the baby. For this reason, women are more susceptible to experiencing bleeding, postpartum pain, and especially an inflamed c-section scar3.
After the baby and placenta are removed, suturing is performed where each layer of skin and muscle must be properly stitched until only a small scar remains. It is natural for the woman to feel discomfort in the area for many days until the stitches are removed. However, until it is time for the stitches to be removed, many precautions need to be taken. These are crucial for the healing process and to reduce the risk of an inflamed c-section.
In most maternity wards, a dressing is placed over the c-section stitches, and that is how the woman is discharged. The dressing ensures the clothes and underwear do not irritate the stitches. A useful tip is to use a postpartum girdle, which provides greater security for a woman after a c-section. Do not choose girdles that are too tight, but those that are comfortable and keep your belly in place. In addition to providing a feeling of security, the girdle will help your body return to its previous shape and prevent you from making certain movements that could cause pain at the incision site.
The stitches need maximum attention and good hygiene. Bathing can be done normally, as long as the stitches are protected with the dressing. After bathing, the bandage should be removed, the area cleaned with gauze and 70% alcohol, and then dried with clean gauze. After all cleaning procedures, a new dressing should be applied. If this procedure is performed carefully, it will prevent possible infections.
However, even so, many women suffer from an inflamed c-section. This is because even with all the care and intense hygiene, the stitches can become inflamed. So what should you do? Stitches that are becoming inflamed may become red, swollen, warm, and bloody, and should be examined by your obstetrician if there are any changes.
Effort should be avoided during healing, and a proper diet will make all the difference in the recovery of the stitches. A diet rich in fiber and vitamin C will help speed up healing. Therefore, eat plenty of fruits and vegetables and avoid fatty foods on your plate, at least for a while. Fried foods, processed meats, and greasy dishes hinder your body’s healing process and increase the risk of inflammation.
Other reasons for c-section inflammation, aside from physical strain and lack of hygiene, include:
- Hospital-acquired infections
- Allergy to the suture thread
- Edema
- Opening of the stitches
It is extremely important for the obstetrician to examine the inflamed c-section and determine the correct treatment. In the case of hospital infections, hospitalization may be necessary to monitor and use intravenous antibiotics, which will provide faster recovery. In the case of allergies, medication may be prescribed to relieve symptoms, and in the case of edema, drains may be needed to remove accumulated fluid.
If the stitches open, a temporary suture can be applied to close the area. In this case, hygiene precautions must be doubled so the infection does not worsen, which could leave a prominent scar. In fact, it is very common for an inflamed c-section site to develop a more raised scar than normal or keloids. These can be removed later by procedures such as plastic surgery, laser treatments, or the use of retinoic and hyaluronic acids, which help lighten marks.
See also: Bowel Movements After Birth – An Inevitable Fear
Photo: AlexVan
