Healing 2nd degree perineal tear stitches

A second-degree tear affects the skin and muscle between the vagina and anus. Stitches repair it after birth. Tenderness with sitting, walking, urinating or bowel movements is common early in recovery; itching or tightness can appear as tissue heals. Small dissolving threads may come away without meaning the repair has opened.

Rinse with lukewarm water after using the toilet, pat front to back, change pads regularly, and wear loose breathable underwear. A wrapped cold pack can ease swelling briefly. Use recommended pain relief, drink fluids, and eat fibre to reduce straining; ask about a stool softener if needed. Rest, walk gently, and consider Postnatal Physiotherapy for ongoing pelvic floor or bladder symptoms.

Contact your maternity team promptly for worsening pain, increasing swelling, pus, bad smell, fever, spreading redness, wound separation, or difficulty passing urine or stool. Seek urgent help for heavy bleeding, faintness or severe pain. Perineal Repair may be considered if the wound needs examination or further treatment.

Ask whether healing looks expected, when to resume exercise and sex, which pain relief is suitable while breastfeeding, and whether constipation or scar tenderness needs review.