Episiotomy care

An episiotomy widens the opening of the vagina for childbirth. It is a 1 to 3 inch long incision made between the opening of the vagina and the rectum. The incision helps prevent tearing of the vaginal wall during the delivery of the baby. After the delivery, the healthcare provider will sew the incision together. The stitches will not need to be removed, as they will dissolve on their own after about 10 days.

The episiotomy may be uncomfortable as it is healing. For the first 24 hours, place cloth-covered ice packs on the area of the incision to reduce the swelling and pain. After 24 hours, warm tub baths may be taken 2 or 3 times a day for 20 minutes to help with the soreness. If the pain is uncomfortable, your healthcare provider may suggest a spray or pads that numb the area. A pain reliever such as Ibuprofen may be used to help relieve the discomfort. Carefully follow the instructions on the label.

Call your provider if:

• the area of the episiotomy becomes reddened
• the area becomes more swollen
• there is an increase in drainage or discharge from the vagina
• a fever develops or
• the pain gets worse

Having sexual intercourse too soon can cause some pain. It is best to wait 4 to 6 weeks until the incision has fully healed and your provider confirms that you may resume having sexual intercourse again. For the first few times, there may be some pain that should eventually go away.

Last Reviewed 2005

Disclaimer: This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information provided is intended to be informative and educational and is not a replacement for professional medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.

HIL File PREG4875.rf2 VRS# 4875 Data Version 7.0 Copyright 2000, 2002 McKesson Health Solutions LLC. All rights reserved.