How to care for perineal stitches

Faith Teniola Tue 06-Sep-22 16:09:58

Activities to note
Rest when you feel tired. Getting enough sleep will help you recover.
Try to walk each day. Start by walking a little more than you did the day before. Bit by bit, increase the amount you walk. Walking boosts blood flow and helps prevent pneumonia and constipation.
Avoid strenuous activities, such as bicycle riding, jogging, weight lifting, or aerobic exercise, until your doctor or midwife says it is okay.
Until your doctor or midwife says it is okay, do not lift anything heavier than your baby.
Ask your doctor or midwife when you can drive again.
You may shower and take baths as usual. Pat the incision dry when you are done.
You will have some vaginal bleeding. Wear sanitary pads. Do not douche or use tampons until your doctor or midwife says it is okay.
Ask your doctor or midwife when it is okay for you to have sex.

Wound Care
Put ice or a cold pack on the sore area for 10 to 20 minutes at a time. Put a thin cloth between the ice and your skin.
Sit in 8 to 10 centimetres of warm water (sitz bath) for 15 to 20 minutes 3 times a day and after bowel movements. Then pat the area dry. Do this as long as you have pain. You may find that it feels better if you dry the area with a hair dryer instead of using a towel to pat the area dry.
Keep the area clean by pouring or spraying warm water over the area outside your vagina and anus after you use the toilet. Use baby wipes or medicated pads, such as Tucks, instead of toilet paper after a bowel movement.

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