What should you know about delivery episiotomy?

The perineum is the skin and muscle between the vaginal opening and anus. An episiotomy is not routine for every birth; it may be considered when the baby needs to be born quickly, an assisted birth is needed, or severe tearing appears more likely. Local anaesthetic is used when possible. After birth, the cut is closed with dissolvable stitches and the team checks bleeding and comfort.

Keep the area clean and dry, change pads regularly, and wash your hands before and after toileting. Take prescribed or recommended pain relief, rest when you can, and prevent constipation with fluids and suitable fibre unless your clinician has given different advice. Gentle pelvic-floor exercises may help when comfortable. Follow-up may include checking the wound and discussing Perineal Repair.

Ask for prompt review if pain is worsening, the wound opens, swelling increases, bleeding becomes heavy, the area smells unpleasant, or you develop fever. Seek urgent help for severe bleeding, fainting, severe pain or difficulty passing urine.

Ask why the cut was recommended, how many stitches were needed, which pain relief is suitable, and when sex, exercise and driving are comfortable. Ask who to contact if the wound changes or bowel and bladder symptoms continue.