Episiotomy care after delivery

An episiotomy leaves a healing wound in the perineum. Soreness, bruising, pulling around stitches, and discomfort when sitting or walking can occur early after birth. The stitches usually dissolve as the tissue heals. Passing urine may sting, and bowel movements can feel worrying, especially when the area is tender. Your maternity team can examine the wound and explain whether its appearance and symptoms fit normal healing.

Rinse with clean water, pat rather than rub, and replace pads regularly. Wash your hands before and after changing pads. Take recommended pain relief and use a wrapped cool pack for short periods if advised. Drink regularly and choose fibre-rich foods to keep stools soft; do not force a bowel movement. Gentle pelvic-floor contractions may be introduced when comfortable. Avoid sex, strenuous exercise, and swimming until your clinician says the wound has healed. A Perineal Repair service can provide further assessment.

Contact your maternity team if pain is getting worse, swelling is increasing, the wound separates, discharge smells unpleasant, or you have fever or trouble urinating. Seek urgent help for heavy bleeding, faintness, severe pain, loss of bowel control, or rapidly worsening weakness. Do not wait for a routine postnatal visit when these symptoms appear.

Ask how to inspect the wound safely, which pain medicines suit breastfeeding, how to manage constipation, and when to restart sex, exercise, and pelvic-floor rehabilitation.