How to cure postpartum stitches
Childbirth is a moment of great emotion for mum and dad. The goal of a journey that lasted 9 months and that leads - finally - to getting to know your little one.
Mothers who have already had babies, however, are well aware that post-partum is not always very simple: problems can arise with breastfeeding, post-partum depression can occur, and there may be difficulties with stitches and wounds. expulsive phase of the baby resulted.
We want to talk about postpartum points in this article. When are they needed, what troubles do they cause to the new mother and how should they be properly treated? Let's find out.
In this article
- Postpartum wounds
- Post-partum stitches: how they should be treated
- Episiotomy: what it is
- Postpartum stitches: when to see your doctor
Postpartum wounds
Childbirth can leave its marks, those of the caesarean section for example, but also those of the lacerations that the expulsive phase of natural childbirth can cause on the skin of the vulva and on the vaginal mucosa. Furthermore, episiotomy (incision of the perineum to facilitate childbirth, which we will discuss more specifically later) may be necessary.
Lacerations of various levels, therefore, which can be more or less annoying for the woman who has just given birth. It can be difficult to sit or go to the bathroom, and sometimes these wounds can burn, especially when you urinate. Also, gods are sometimes needed stitches that the woman must take care of adequately so that they heal as quickly as possible.
It can take up to six weeks for the postpartum stitches to heal completely. Treating them in the right way, however, can reduce this time and - above all - prevent it from getting longer.
Post-partum stitches: how they should be treated
La proper hygiene it is the basis of a good healing of the post-partum points. It is good for the new mother to always keep the vaginal area clean with the use of a suitable intimate cleanser (to be purchased in pharmacies or specialized stores). A shower or a bath a day is another healthy habit to have, even if the arrival of the baby seems to have eliminated - especially in the early periods - the time for oneself.
Better to avoid products that produce too much foam and excessively perfumed: they could further irritate the area and increase discomfort.
Another good habit for take care of postpartum stitches is the frequent change of underwear and towels. In the first days after the birth, it is recommended to change the sanitary napkin and the mesh panty often, then it is suggested to use cotton underwear and suitable pads for post-partum.
Drinking is essential. A woman, after giving birth, should drink at least 2 or 3 liters of water a day, this will avoid constipation and make urine less concentrated, reducing the possibility of further vaginal irritation. To drink a lot and frequently it is good to add one healthy and varied diet, rich in fiber, fruit and vegetables.
With the help of an expert it can also be useful to carry out pelvic palvation exercises, but before doing them it is important to talk to the gynecologist.
The last precaution that the mother must have in post-partum to reduce recovery times is the healthy rest. Many women, after giving birth, would like to go back to doing everything immediately but it is not possible. It is necessary to take your time, avoid overexertion, too heavy housework.
Episiotomy: what it is
Only in some cases, during natural childbirth, is an episiotomy necessary. This is the incision of the perineum with the aim of widening the vaginal opening and facilitating the exit of the baby. It is a small surgery, now very small but which in certain situations may prove necessary.
Gynecologists and obstetricians resort to this practice only in cases of necessity, i.e. when the lacerations caused by the child's exit could involve greater risks in the mother (laceration of the perineum, fecal and urinary incontinence) and in the newborn (dystocia of the shoulders, hypoxia).
Episiotomy also has its disadvantages, however, and for this reason it should only be performed in really necessary cases, including:
- increased post-partum bleeding (episiotomy has an inhibitory effect on the secretion of oxytocin, a hormone that tends to increase uterine contractions, important for stopping the bleeding resulting from placental abruption);
- local pain that can last weeks or months after childbirth, hindering the resumption of sexual intercourse and, in some cases, even interfering with breastfeeding;
- the wound can become complicated with infections;
- the laceration (and consequent weakening) of the pelvic floor muscles can create serious incontinence problems.
Postpartum stitches: when to see your doctor
With the precautions above, the postpartum stitches will heal on their own, but in case of redness that does not go away, prolonged burning, pain or a very strong smell, there may be an infection.
In this case it is absolutely necessary to consult the doctor who, after a thorough examination, will decide what is best to do.
Sources: salutelazio.com; salute.gov.com
