No episiotomy

The perineum may remain intact, or it may have a spontaneous tear or graze. Tears vary in depth and may need stitches; an episiotomy is a planned incision made when the birth team believes extra room or speed is needed. Soreness, swelling, bruising, and stinging while passing urine can occur after vaginal birth even without an incision. Your discharge information should record any tear and repair.

Keep the area clean and dry, change pads regularly, and use the pain relief recommended for you. Rest, drink fluids, and prevent straining with bowel movements. Gentle pelvic-floor contractions can be introduced when comfortable. If stitches were needed, follow the care instructions and avoid activities that increase pain. A clinician can check healing if discomfort is not settling.

Contact your maternity team for increasing pain, spreading redness, worsening swelling, wound separation, pus-like discharge, fever, or difficulty controlling urine or stool. Seek urgent help for heavy bleeding, severe pain, faintness, or feeling acutely unwell. These symptoms can signal infection, a significant tear, or another postpartum problem.

Did I have a tear or graze, and does it need follow-up? Are my stitches healing normally? When can I resume exercise, sex, and pelvic-floor rehabilitation?