Signs of suture healing after birth
After natural birth, a recovery process occurs as the wound begins to heal within an hour, and this may be accompanied by initial bleeding that gradually decreases with the use of certain pressure and medical sutures.
These stitches dissolve spontaneously within a period ranging from seven to ten days, and may take up to two weeks in other cases. It is very important to pay attention to the cleanliness of the affected area. This is done by washing it with warm water to avoid infection. It is preferable to avoid using toilet paper to avoid skin irritation.
The pain associated with recovery is considered normal, and its intensity may increase and is often noticeable during urination, defecation, sitting or moving. To help relieve this pain, you can sit in a warm bath or use ice packs wrapped in cloth.
Taking laxatives and making sure to drink plenty of fluids also helps facilitate the excretion process and relieve pain. If the pain increases, it is recommended to visit a doctor to obtain support and appropriate treatment.
Stages of suture healing after birth
Following surgery, redness and swelling may be observed in the wound area, which is expected to last for about six days. Besides, it may feel hot and painful to the touch. You should pay attention to any purulent discharge with an unpleasant odor or severe pain, as this may indicate the development of an infection, and in this case, a visit to the doctor is required.
Next comes the rebuilding phase, which takes from four days to a month, during which the edges of the wound heal and the scar begins to form. During this period, you may notice a thickening of the tissue and the appearance of some red bumps. Severe pain may accompany this stage, which is an indicator of nerve healing.
This is followed by a skin repair phase that may last from six months to two years. During this time, the scar turns from being red and thick in appearance to closer to skin color and becomes flatter.
Postpartum wound care
To care for the wound after childbirth, it is advisable to place a cold cloth from the refrigerator on the area to relieve pain. Warm water should be used to wash after urination, and witch hazel can be added to speed up healing. A cream containing chamomile is also recommended for its soothing properties.
In cases of pain during bowel movements, laxatives may be helpful based on your doctor's advice. Using pillows when sitting or lying provides support and comfort.
After vaginal delivery, the fetal exit route can cause tears to the perineal area that may require stitching to heal, especially if the tear is deep. These tears are divided into different grades based on the depth and importance of medical intervention.
It is wise to postpone marital relations for six to eight weeks to avoid pain and ensure healing. After giving birth, estrogen levels may decrease, so it is recommended to use a lubricant during this period to keep the area moist.
In the case of simple tears, superficial suturing with local anesthetic is sufficient, while deep tears require complete anesthesia and surgery.
Causes of birth wound
The doctor makes an episiotomy to help the fetus exit smoothly without causing spontaneous ruptures that may damage the muscles of the area surrounding the anus. This procedure also maintains the integrity of the perineal muscles and prevents them from falling in the future, which reduces the chance of facing health problems associated with the weakness of these muscles after birth.
This medical intervention is also resorted to in certain cases, such as an abnormal acceleration or slowness of the fetus’s heartbeat, which indicates its inability to withstand the natural birth process for long periods. In other situations, the doctor needs more space to use tools such as surgical forceps or a suction device to help safely extract the fetus.
In cases where the fetus is born in a breech position or its exit is hindered due to its large size or shoulder impingement, an episiotomy is necessary to provide a safe passage that reduces the risk of complications for the mother and fetus.
This procedure is usually used in first deliveries or when the baby is born early, to avoid excessive pressure on the fetus's head during pushing.
