Does obstetrics perform perineal repair?

The perineum is the area between the vaginal opening and anus. After birth, a clinician examines the area to identify a tear or an episiotomy and checks bleeding, muscle involvement and the extent of the injury. Repair usually uses dissolvable stitches after suitable pain relief and cleaning.

A deeper or more complex injury may need an obstetrician or another specialist, a theatre setting and follow-up. The clinician should explain the repair, wound care, bowel advice and what symptoms need review before you leave.

Keep the area clean and dry according to your maternity team's instructions, change pads regularly and take prescribed pain relief as directed. Avoid straining when opening your bowels; ask about fluids, fibre or a stool-softening medicine if needed. Rest, use comfortable clothing and attend any planned wound or postnatal review. Tell the team if pain is worsening rather than settling.

Seek prompt medical advice for increasing pain or swelling, fever, pus or a bad smell, wound edges opening, difficulty passing urine or stool, heavy bleeding, or feeling faint. Contact your maternity service about new loss of bowel or gas control, because deeper perineal injuries need timely assessment and support.

Ask how deep the tear is, who performed the repair, which pain relief and bowel medicines are suitable, when healing should be reviewed and which changes should prompt an earlier appointment.