Wound Care Maternal.docx

What Is an Episiotomy 

The term episiotomy refers to the intentional incision of the vaginal opening to hasten delivery or to avoid or decrease potential tearing

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A perineal tear or laceration often forms on its own during a vaginal birth. Rarely, this tear will also involve the muscle around the anus or the rectum

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Both episiotomies and perineal lacerations require stitches to repair and ensure the best healing. Both are similar in recovery time and discomfort during healing

Care of the Episiotomy After Delivery 

During the first 12 hours after delivery, an ice pack may be helpful in preventing both pain and swelling of the site of the episiotomy

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The incision should be kept clean and dry to avoid infection

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Frequent sitz baths (soaking the area of the wound in a small amount of warm water for about 20 minutes several times a day) can help keep the area clean. Warm water increases the circulation and may feel good, but cool water can decrease the pain a bit faster

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episiotomy site should also be cleaned after a bowel movement or after urination

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Stitches should dissolve within four to six weeks and do not have to be removed

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Tighten your buttocks as you sit down. Tightening your buttocks as you sit down will help to pull the tissue together in the perineum, which will help to prevent it from stretching and pulling at your stitches

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Reduce your risk of becoming constipated Constipation will increase the pressure against the perineum during a bowel movement. This increased pressure will lead to increased discomfort and stretching of the incision line.

C-section 

Cesarean delivery (C-section) is a surgical procedure used to deliver a baby through incisions in the abdomen and uterus

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A C-section might be planned ahead of time if you develop pregnancy complications or you've had a previous C-section and aren't considering a vaginal birth after cesarean

Care of the C-section After Delivery 

Take it easy. Rest when possible. Try to keep everything that you and your baby might need within reach. For the first few weeks, avoid lifting anything heavier than your baby. Also, avoid lifting from a squatting position

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Avoid going up and down stairs as much as you can. Keep everything you need, like diaper changing supplies and food, close to you so that you don’t have to get up too often

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Whenever you have to sneeze or cough, hold your abdomen to protect the incision site

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Avoid strenuous exercise but do take gentle walks as often as you can. The movement will help your body heal and prevent constipation and blood clots

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Keep the wound area clean by washing it with mild soap and water. You don't need to scrub it. Often, just letting the water run over your wound in the shower is enough