The episiotomy is an incision that is sometimes made during childbirth in the perineum area, between the vulva and the anus, just before the expulsion phase, when the baby shows its head in the birth, with the function of facilitating the Exit the baby and avoid possible tears of the muscles in the area. That cut is stitched with stitches forming a wound that must be taken care of in the postpartum.
The episiotomy suture, which is also known as "episiorrhaphy", is usually done with points of a synthetic material that are reabsorbed and fall alone. If this is not the case, because a thicker material has been used or does not dry out well, around ten days after delivery the doctor will remove the stitches.
Meanwhile, for a good recovery of the episiotomy performed during vaginal delivery it is important to take care of the wound. In the hospital it is probably the health staff who proceed to cure and tell us how to do it to ourselves and our partners. These are the basic tips for healing the episiotomy wound.
The cure of episiotomy points
The area should be very clean and dry, so every time we go to the bathroom we will have to wash the area with fresh water and dry with small touches of towel (from front to back) or in the air with a fan or with the dryer in cold air function.
It is not necessary to use hot air so that the bacteria do not proliferate, nor is it necessary to rub the area so as not to irritate the wounds, nor to dry from back to front because bacteria could move from the anus to the wound.
Also twice a day you can wash the area with warm boiled water and salt. If you can, it is good to leave the area in the air for a few minutes. So that bacteria do not proliferate, the postpartum compress must also be changed frequently, especially the so-called "tocological". These compresses are made of natural cotton fibers, without plastics that do not let the area perspire and can be glued to the points. Buffers should not be used at least until the first period.
Regarding others cures with antisepticIf we breastfeed, we can apply Crystalline, with chlorhexidine for disinfection. But not mercurochrome, Betadine, Topionic ... or any antiseptic with iodine, because it could pass into breast milk and falsify the test for early detection of congenital hypothyroidism.
Only if we do not breastfeed can something of the type of povidone iodine be applied, prohibited during breastfeeding and in babies and pregnant women for the reason we have just seen. In any case, it will be the doctors who tell us with which antiseptic to perform the cures.
Relieve episiotomy pain
Regarding other episiotomy care, we remember that ice can relieve pain by deflating the area and that it is discouraged to sit on floats and take excessive weights or make efforts until after a while, since the skin and points could tense.
Another of the keys to avoid the pain of the points is to lie down to reduce the pressure that increases if we are sitting or standing. Rest during the first days is essential to recover, which does not mean that we should not get up and walk, it is also necessary, although we must do it progressively.
Recall that there are several types of episiotomy, the most frequent lateral ones, which are performed with inclination to the right or left. When sitting, it is best to do it carefully, first supporting the buttock on the side opposite the points. To get out of bed, it is best to do it on the opposite side to lower the opposite leg first and not leave pressure on the side of the points.
Finally, we remember that episiotomy should not be a routine incision in vaginal births, however it is performed more times than would be advisable according to organizations such as WHO. Pregnant women have the right to expressly request in writing in a birth plan that is not practiced if that is our desire.
In any case, if you have suffered the cut, you are guidelines on the cure of episiotomy points They will be useful and will help you recover and not get the wound infected.
