Lateral episiotomy: what to know

An episiotomy is not a routine part of every vaginal birth. A clinician may recommend one when birth needs to happen quickly, instruments are being used, or there is concern about a severe tear. A lateral cut is directed away from the midline of the vaginal opening. The area is numbed before the incision when there is time, and the wound is closed with dissolvable stitches.

Pain, swelling, bruising, tightness, and discomfort when sitting or walking are common during early healing. The incision can also make urination, bowel movements, and sex uncomfortable for a while.

Keep the area clean and dry, change maternity pads regularly, and wash gently with water according to your maternity team's advice. Cold packs wrapped in cloth may ease swelling. Take prescribed pain relief as directed, drink fluids, and avoid straining with bowel movements. Gradually increase activity, and wait for comfort and clinical advice before penetrative sex or strenuous exercise. Perineal repair follow-up can address persistent pain or wound concerns.

Contact your maternity team for worsening pain, increasing swelling, wound edges opening, pus or a bad smell, fever, heavy bleeding, or difficulty passing urine or stool. Seek urgent help for severe bleeding, faintness, rapidly spreading redness, or feeling acutely unwell. Pain with sex, numbness, or pulling that continues after healing also deserves review.

Ask why the incision was needed, how the stitches should be cared for, which pain relief is suitable, and when follow-up is planned. Ask what signs suggest infection or wound separation, and when exercise and sex can safely resume.