Episiotomy During Labour: What to Know

The perineum is the skin and muscle between the vaginal opening and anus. If an episiotomy is recommended, local anaesthetic is used when there is time and the cut is made during birth. It may be considered when the baby needs to be born quickly, an assisted vaginal birth is planned, or the tissues need more space. It is not routinely needed for every birth.

After the baby and placenta are delivered, the clinician checks the area and closes the cut with dissolvable stitches. The size and direction of the cut, and any associated tear, affect recovery.

Keep the area clean and dry as advised, change pads regularly, and take prescribed or approved pain relief. Cold packs wrapped in cloth may ease swelling for short periods. Passing urine can sting at first; pouring lukewarm water over the area while urinating may help if your clinician approves it.

Avoid strenuous activity until you feel ready and follow guidance about wound care, sex, and pelvic-floor exercises. A Perineal Repair review can help if you need more information about stitches or healing.

Contact your maternity team if pain is worsening rather than settling, the wound opens, swelling increases, or the area becomes hot, red, or foul-smelling. Fever, pus-like discharge, difficulty passing urine or stool, heavy bleeding, or loss of control of wind or stool needs prompt clinical review. Seek emergency help for severe bleeding, faintness, or sudden severe pain.

Ask why an episiotomy was recommended, which muscles or tissues were involved, and how the repair was closed. Confirm wound-care instructions, suitable pain relief, when to resume normal activities, and who to contact if pain or bowel symptoms persist. Ask when a postnatal examination should occur.