Normal delivery with an episiotomy

A normal delivery may include an episiotomy, a deliberate cut in the perineum used selectively when birth needs more space or speed. It is not routine for every vaginal birth. A clinician should explain the reason when circumstances allow, provide pain relief, and close the cut with stitches afterward. Healing varies, and soreness can affect sitting, walking, urination, and bowel movements for a while.

The perineum is the tissue between the vaginal opening and anus. An episiotomy may be considered when the baby needs to be born quickly, assisted birth is needed, or the tissues are at risk of a more serious tear. After birth, the area is checked and repaired. Discomfort, bruising, swelling, and stinging when passing urine can occur. The repair should gradually feel better; worsening symptoms need assessment.

Keep the area clean and gently dry it, change pads regularly, and wash your hands before and after personal care. Follow the prescribed pain-relief advice. Rest, use positions that reduce pressure, drink fluids, and eat fibre-rich foods to reduce straining. Do not insert products or resume sexual activity until your clinician says healing is adequate and you feel ready. Ask about pelvic floor exercises when comfortable. [Lactation Consultation](/treatments/pregnancy-and-birth-care/lactation-consultation/) can support feeding positions that avoid pressure on the wound.

Seek prompt medical advice for increasing pain, spreading redness, worsening swelling, pus or an unpleasant smell, the wound opening, fever, difficulty passing urine, or loss of bowel control. Urgent help is needed for heavy bleeding, fainting, severe pain, or feeling suddenly very unwell. These symptoms can indicate infection, a collection of blood, or a repair problem and should not be managed alone.

Why might an episiotomy be needed in my situation? What pain relief and repair method will be used? How should I clean the area and manage bowel movements? When should the wound be checked? Which activities should wait? If labour changes and a [Caesarean Section](/treatments/pregnancy-and-birth-care/caesarean-section/) is considered, what would that mean for recovery?