What if an episiotomy was not sewn up enough?

Dissolving stitches can feel loose, and mild tenderness or a pulling sensation may occur as the perineum heals. A visible gap, fresh bleeding, increasing pain, new swelling, unusual discharge, or trouble controlling gas or stool is different and needs assessment. The appearance of a stitch alone does not show whether the deeper layers are healing correctly. A clinician can inspect the skin and, when needed, assess the muscles and anal area.

Call your midwife, obstetric team, or maternity assessment service and describe when the change started, whether pain is worsening, and whether you have bleeding or discharge. Until you are assessed, keep the area clean and dry according to your discharge instructions, avoid inserting anything into the vagina, and use only recommended pain relief. Do not pull at loose thread or attempt to close the wound yourself.

Seek same-day advice for a suspected gap, worsening pain, redness, swelling, foul-smelling discharge, or fever. Get urgent help for heavy bleeding, faintness, severe pain, or loss of bowel control. A separated wound may be managed differently depending on infection, depth, and how long it has been present, so prompt review matters.

Ask whether the wound edges and deeper muscles are healing, whether infection is present, what hygiene and activity are suitable, and whether you need a specialist review or planned follow-up.