Postpartum Perineal Care

Many people have tears during birth. Some people will have an episiotomy (cut of the vaginal opening). Your care team will check for tears and may use stitches to help them heal.

These stitches dissolve and come out on their own within two to three weeks after you give birth.

What Will I Notice?

• Your perineum (the area between your vagina and anus) may be swollen and sore after birth.
• You may have stitches from a tear or an episiotomy. You don’t need to have them removed.
• It can still hurt even if you do not have stitches. This is normal.
• Healing can take six to 12 weeks. Sometimes people have pain or discomfort with sex longer, especially if there is a more complicated tear or an episiotomy.

If you have any signs of fever (100.4° F or higher), more pain, or foul-smelling discharge, call OB/GYN right away: 617.414.2000

What Can I Do?

• Use a cold pack or “ice diaper” on the first day.
• Use a spray bottle to spray warm water on your perineum after peeing or having a bowel movement. Pat dry.
• Wash gently in the shower. Use a mild soap like Dove®. Do not wash inside your vagina.
• Wear cotton underwear, and change your pad every 2 to 4 hours.
• Use a sitz bath with warm water one to two times a day to heal the area.
• Use supplies from the hospital to help with pain and healing, like Dermoplast spray, Tucks® pads, and hydrocortisone cream. The nurses will show you how.
• You can also freeze Tucks® pads at home and put them on top of a menstrual pad for extra relief.
• Take pain medicine like Tylenol or ibuprofen if needed.
• Take a stool softener to help you go to the bathroom more easily. Ask your provider what one is right for you.
• Start pelvic floor exercises four to six weeks after the birth.
• Avoid sex and intimacy until six weeks postpartum.
• Go to your postpartum visits to make sure your tear is healing well.