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Pain in the perineum or the area between the vagina and anus is common after you give birth. This is due to stretching during childbirth.
You may only experience a slight bruise as a result of the pressure from the baby's head. However, some mothers also experience tearing during labor. Usually the tear is only small, but it can cause pain.
If you have a tear, the pain depends on how deep the tear is. Minor tears do not require stitches, but about 60% -70% require stitches to speed up the healing process.
You may need an episiostomy to make it easier for the baby to pass, or if your baby needs to be delivered soon. This occurs in 1 in 7 women giving birth. The midwife will try not to do an episiostomy, because the wound will heal longer than the tear.
How long will the pain in the perineum last?
The bruising and pain from the tear or cut should improve within a few days, but the scars should disappear within a few weeks.
After the birth check with your doctor, about 6 weeks after delivery, you should be in the recovery process. After 2 months, you will no longer feel the pain.
How to reduce pain in the perineum?
Your midwife will give you advice on keeping the perineum clean and how to speed up the healing process.
If you need pain relief, take paracetamol first. Paracetamol is safe to use for breastfeeding mothers. If you need stronger pain relievers, you can try ibuprofen. However, if your baby is premature or born with a light weight, check with your doctor before using ibuprofen.
Here are methods you can take to relieve pain:
- Lie down, so that the pressure on the body is reduced.
- Place a cold compress or ice cubes in plastic wrapped in a clean flannel cloth on the perineum.
- Rest and give it time to heal.
- Take a warm bath.
- Do Kegel exercises. This can promote healing and improve blood flow to the area.
- Flush the area with warm water after urinating. This will flush the urine and reduce the pain and keep the perineal area dry. Pat dry with toilet paper afterward.
You will get better on your own. Focus on the healing process and gather the strength you need to care for your baby.
Keep the wound clean and wash it every day. Change pads often, and wash your hands before or after to prevent infection. Call your doctor or midwife if you have a fever, or if your pain doesn't get better. A fever can be an indication of infection.
If you need more help with pain, your doctor can prescribe a stronger pain reliever, such as a special spray or cream.
