Episiotomy before and after birth

An episiotomy is a cut in the perineum, the tissue between the vaginal opening and anus. It may be considered if birth needs to happen quickly or an assisted birth is planned. Your clinician should explain the reason and alternatives when the situation allows. Numbing medicine is used, and you may feel pressure rather than sharp pain. After the baby and placenta are delivered, the area is examined and the cut is closed with dissolvable stitches when repair is needed.

Use the pain relief recommended for you, wash gently with water, pat dry, and change pads often. Drink fluids and eat fibre-rich foods to reduce constipation; ask about a stool-softening medicine if bowel movements are painful. Rest between feeds and avoid lifting more than advised. A Perineal Repair appointment can help if the wound needs assessment or symptoms are not improving.

Call your maternity team if pain or swelling increases, the wound opens, discharge smells unpleasant, you develop fever, or passing urine becomes difficult. Get urgent help for heavy bleeding, faintness, severe pain, new loss of bowel control, or rapidly worsening illness.

Ask what prompted the recommendation, where the cut will be made, which pain relief is available, how to care for the stitches, and when follow-up is expected.