How to care for episiotomy wounds during pregnancy

The episiotomy performed on women during normal childbirth is also a surgery that is very harmful to their bodies. If the episiotomy is not recovered properly, it can easily cause wound inflammation, which slows down the healing time of the wound. Therefore, after the episiotomy, pregnant women should have some proper knowledge about the care of the episiotomy wound, so as to promote the recovery of their wound and achieve better results.

1. Keep the perineum clean and dry

If the lochia has not been cleared yet, you should insist on washing the vulva with running water at least twice a day. It should also be washed once after defecation. When washing, wash from front to back to avoid contamination by dirt such as feces. Be sure to use a clean, dedicated towel (it is not recommended to use a basin because the dirty water in the basin will circulate and contaminate the perineal wound). Change sanitary napkins and underwear frequently to avoid soaking the wound and causing infection.

2. Avoid wound dehiscence

In the first few days after delivery, new mothers should lie on their right side to allow the accumulated blood in the wound to flow out, so as to prevent it from accumulating and forming hematoma, which will affect healing. It can also prevent endometrial fragments in the lochia from flowing into the wound and forming endometriosis in the future. After 4-5 days, when the wound has grown firmer and it is difficult for fluid to flow in, you can alternate lying positions. Pay attention to the condition of the perineal incision. If pain appears in the wound within 1-2 hours after the operation and it becomes more and more severe, you should contact a doctor immediately for timely treatment.

When a mother who has undergone episiotomy during a normal delivery is sitting, the center of gravity of the body should be tilted to the right side. This can not only reduce the pain caused by pressure on the wound, but also prevent the epidermis from dislocating. It is important to avoid falling or excessive abduction of the thighs that may cause the wound to split. It is not advisable for a woman to be discharged from the hospital on the day the stitches are removed. Wound dehiscence often occurs on the day the stitches are removed, and wound dehiscence will cause trouble to deal with after returning home.

3. Keep bowel movements smooth

Don't lie in bed all the time. Try to walk around as much as possible to prevent constipation. When defecating, first contract your perineum and buttocks, and then slowly sit on the toilet. If constipation occurs, do not push too hard and use a suppository temporarily.

4. Do more anal contraction exercises

You can do it anytime, anywhere, lying down or sitting. This will not only help promote the contraction of the sphincter, but also restore the tightness of the vagina as soon as possible.

5. Keep an eye on the wound until two weeks after delivery.

First, check whether the wound is painful. If so, check whether the wound is red, swollen, cracked, bleeding, or pus-filled. It is best to seek medical attention immediately as the wound is likely to be infected. If you find small pustules on the wound, it may be that the absorption of the sutures is impeded. You should go to the hospital and ask the doctor to remove the sutures so that the wound can heal.