An episiotomy is a surgery performed to prevent tearing of the vagina and perineum during childbirth. In this surgery, an incision is made in the perineum to increase its size. It is estimated that about 40% or more of women who give birth vaginally undergo this procedure.
The vagina and the region around it undergoes major physical changes during childbirth. The tissues in this area experience a great amount of stress and need to be cared for in order to recover post childbirth. In vaginal deliveries, the area between vagina and rectum, named perineum stretches considerably in order to let the baby pass. As a result, injury to perineal tissues may occur.
Why an episiotomy is done
An episiotomy is performed to enable faster and easier birth. The decision for episiotomy is usually made in cases where the child is positioned abnormally or is too large to pass naturally and also in certain medical emergencies such as low fetal heartbeat or fetal distress. Most obstetricians believe that since episiotomy is a surgical clean cut, it heals much faster than a natural tear, which often occurs during childbirth. In any case, proper care has to be given to aid in episiotomy repair. Generally, the tendency is to avoid an episiotomy. However, if you have to undergo one here are a few helpful tips to aid in episiotomy healing.
Promoting fast recovery
The open wound of an episiotomy is sutured post childbirth and the stitches get absorbed during the recovery period. Within a few months, the wound would heal completely on its own. The risk of infections and other dangers can be minimized if you are well informed about proper episiotomy care. Here are some steps en route a speedy episiotomy recovery.
- Once you are in the recovery room, place an ice pack (or even ice blocks wrapped in thin towel) on your wound. This should reduce swelling and numb the pain to some extent.
- Using witch hazel pads or hemorrhoid pads also help a great deal in soothing the episiotomy pain.
- Keep the area clean by changing underwear and sanitary pads several times during the day. Wear cotton panties which allow absorption and good aeration.
- While you are urinating, squirt lukewarm water with a peri-bottle. Not only will this dilute the urine and reduce the sting, but it will also help disinfect the area, thereby preventing possible episiotomy infections.
- Soak your bottom in bathtub or better still, use sitz bath*. Herbal sitz baths are also available which promote faster healing.
- Clean the area every time you use a toilet. Lukewarm water works as good as any other disinfectant.
- Walking is a good exercise during the recovery period as it encourages blood flow to this area, thereby promoting faster healing. However, avoid overdoing it and don’t walk as soon as you are out of the recovery room.
- Kegel exercises are very beneficial for strengthening the weakened muscles in this area.
- Lastly, maintain very good hygiene throughout your recovery period. Consult your OB-GYN in case you experience severe episiotomy pain and infection.
With good episiotomy care, you can resume your normal routine sooner than you would expect.
* Sitz baths are very helpful for a woman after childbirth whether or not she had an episiotomy. It is literally what it sounds like – ‘sits’ bath, – a bath where you sit in warm water that covers the buttocks and hips. Being in a sitting position in warm water allows more blood to reach the impacted area, namely the vagina, promoting healing and helping with any discomfort. A sitz bath uses the theory of hydrotherapy or water therapy. If your doctor recommends it you can add salts to your sitz bath. This can be very helpful for vaginal or perineal discomforts after childbirth.
