After your baby's birth, you received stitches in the skin near your vagina. The stitches might have closed an episiotomy (an incision that enlarges the opening of the vagina). Or you may have needed stitches to repair torn skin. Either way, your stitches should dissolve within weeks. Until then, use this handout as a guide to help ease any discomfort and aid healing.
Keep Clean
You can reduce your risk of infection by keeping the stitches clean. These hints can help:
- Gently wipe from front to back after you urinate or have a bowel movement.
- After wiping, spray warm water on the stitches. Pat dry.
- Do not use soap or any solution except water.
- Change sanitary pads at least every 2-4 hours.
Eat to Stay Regular
Having bowel movements is easier if you're not constipated. Follow these tips:
- Eat fresh fruit and vegetables, whole grains, and bran cereals.
- Drink plenty of water.
- Don't strain to have a bowel movement.
- Ask your health care provider about using a stool softener. If you are breastfeeding, ask before you take any medication.
Reduce Your Discomfort
- Sit in a warm bath (sitz bath).
- Place cold or heat packs on your stitches. Keep a thin towel between the pack and your skin.
- Sit on a firm seat so the stitches pull less.
- Use medicated spray as ordered by physician.
Call your doctor or health care provider if you have:
- Repeated clots the size of a quarter or larger passing from the vagina
- Heavy or gushing bleeding from the vagina
- Discharge that has a bad odor
- Severe pain in the abdomen or increased pain near your stitches
- Fever or chill
- No bowel movement within one week after the birth of your baby
- Pain or urgency with urination, or inability to urinate
