Most women want normal delivery with an intact perineum, but unfortunately this is not always possible, and most women will have a wound to take care during the postpartum period.
Perineal wounds are tears or episiotomy. During the second stage of labor, the perineum must stretch to ensure that the baby is born. A tear usually occurs on delivery of the widest diameter of a child’s head or child’s shoulder. A tear usually extends from the vagina down to the anal area and heals very quickly. Although rare, tears can spread to the anus, which is more complex and requires special care. Episiotomy is a surgical incision in the perineum to facilitate vaginal delivery of the child, which may be normal, using tweezers or vacuum extraction. A tear or episiotomy should be stitched to facilitate healing, and hopefully return it to her before pregnancy.
Perineal wound care
In the first postpartum days, the perineum will be affected, swollen and sore. You may find it painful to walk or sit there before you go to bed as best you can during the first few days. Sometimes, when you miss the urine, you may feel a burning pain on the wound. To reduce this effect, pour cool water over the area as you pass urine so that the water dilutes the stinging effects of urine.
To help reduce swelling and wound to heal quickly, it is best to soak the crotch in cold saline water for 5–10 minutes once or twice a day until the wound has healed. Hot water will increase the flow of blood to the area, which can make it more painful later.
During the healing process, the tissue will shrink, causing the wound to become dense and uncomfortable. Sometimes the stitches (stitches) can become hard and fall into the flesh, which can be very painful. If you feel any uncontrollable pain, you should return to your midwife, who can remove a couple of stitches to tie the pain.
Keep the area as clean and dry as possible by regularly changing the hygienic pillow. It is better to use sanitary towels with loops, as they can provide some opposing pressure on the wound, which makes it less painful.
Do not use air rings. This gives relief when you sit, but it can restrict blood flow to the area if used for too long, which can delay episiotomy healing. It is better to sit on a soft pillow.
Please do not use female sprays or powder, as they may interfere with the healing process.
Caesarean section is an operation in which a child is delivered through an incision in the lower abdominal and uterine walls. Usually the incision is in the lower segment of the uterus on the bikini line.
Section wound care
Initially, a wound can be painful, especially when you move or cough. This is due to internal pressure on the wound. Put your hand on the wound when you cough or move, will counteract this pressure and reduce pain. The pain is also associated with a tissue injury, so you may need to take some painkillers. Keep the wound dry until any stitches are removed (usually about 7 days), so bathing is not allowed. Use cotton dipped in salt water to soak up and remove scabs. Salt water also helps healing and reduces itching when the wound heals. Do not lift heavy objects for at least 6-8 weeks after delivery.
Care tips for both types of wounds
o If possible, try not to bathe the baby until the wound heals properly.
o To help wounds heal quickly, do not eat ginger for the first 10 days.
o Take extra vitamin C.
o Do not walk too much, especially up and down the stairs, as your wound needs rest. to heal.
o After 2 weeks, massage the wound with vitamin E oil to prevent the formation of keloids.
o Do not worry if the wound feels itchy even after many weeks or months.
