Taking care of Episiotomy

1- Ask your doctor for painkillers that you can use to ease pain.
2- during the first 24 hours, you can use an ice pack to avoid pain and swelling. Wrap it with a towel and place it between your legs. Do not leave it more than 10 to 20 minutes each time.
3- The area of the wound should be kept clean by:
A. having multiple Sitz baths per day (2-4 times) by soaking the area in warm water for 15 – 20 minutes.
B. The area should be cleaned after urinating and bowl movement with warm water and tap with toilet paper, then should be dried by patting with clean towel or blow dryer in cold air mode. Baby wipes might be useful too.
4- Change your pads frequently (every 2 to 4 hours) and wash your hands before and after.
5- Expose the wound to air for about 10 minutes once or twice a day.
6- Put some pressure using a clean sanitary pad against your perineum during bowel movement to reduce pain and discomfort. (use new pad every time).
7- Reduce the risk of having constipation by using stool softener, making sure you are drinking lots of water and your food rich in fibers.
8- Pelvic floor exercise and Kegel exercise can help in healing the wound and reducing the pressure on the cut.

Stitches:

Dissolvable stitches are used that do not need to be removed and will be absorbed.