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Recovery from Episiotomy or Laceration
by Lisa Rodriguez, R.N. and Marjorie Greenfield, M.D.
reviewed by Laura Jana, M.D., F.A.A.P.
After you have a vaginal delivery, the area between your vagina and rectum (perineum) may be very sore. During a baby's delivery, that area must stretch and will sometimes tear--or an episiotomy may be made--to accommodate the baby. The following list contains helpful suggestions to aid your comfort and to speed the healing process:
- Starting immediately after delivery, apply a cold pack or ice pack to your perineum for the first 24 hours. This will help numb the area and lessen the swelling.
- After the first day, sitz baths, in which you soak your perineal area in warm water, are both cleansing and soothing. While you are in the hospital, the nurse can instruct you in how to take such a bath in your regular tub at home, or you can purchase a plastic sitz bath tub from the drugstore after you leave the hospital. The warmth of the bath water increases blood flow to your perineum, which aids in the healing process and helps prevent infection.
- Use a water bottle to cleanse and soothe your bottom after each time you urinate or have a bowel movement. Pat your bottom dry, always from behind, front to back, to avoid infection.
- You may want to line your sanitary pad with Tucks pads or gauze soaked with chilled witch hazel to soothe your bottom. These products are often available at the hospital or your local drug store.
- Many hospitals provide a numbing spray you can use on your perineum to help with the pain. If you did not receive one in the hospital, you can buy Dermoplast spray over the counter at your local drug store.
- You may want to try sitting on an inflatable tube (called a donut), available at some hospitals and drug stores. Lying on your side might also help, since it keeps the strain off your perineal area.
- Narcotic-containing prescription medications (such as codeine, Tylenol #3, or Darvon) will give relief but can be constipating, and they may make your baby sleepy if you are nursing. Try to stick with a non-narcotic pain medication like acetaminophen or ibuprofen (Tylenol, Motrin, or Advil), which is usually all that's needed.
While some people have pain at the site of their episiotomy or laceration for only a few days, others are uncomfortable for weeks. If these comfort measures aren't adequate, or if pain persists beyond six weeks or is present during sex, be sure to discuss it with your practitioner. An examination can ensure that there is not infection, and other comfort measures may be suggested.
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Created March 21, 2001
Reviewed March 28, 2001
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