Natural delivery refers to the natural delivery of the fetus through the birth canal. It is the most ideal delivery method with the least damage to the mother and fetus.
However, during the birthing process, some mothers may experience perineal tears or episiotomy wounds. Proper care can not only speed up healing, but also reduce the risk of infection and help the body recover faster.
This guide will focus on the problems of vaginal birth wounds that mothers may encounter during the process of vaginal birth. It will introduce in detail the types of vaginal birth wounds, healing cycles and corresponding scientific care methods to help all mothers who have given birth to vaginal births successfully through the postpartum recovery period.
Types and causes of vaginal delivery (Natural Delivery) wounds
Generally speaking, the perineum is rich in blood vessels and has a relatively sufficient blood supply. Minor wounds have a strong ability to heal after childbirth (Natural Delivery), and the pain usually disappears completely in about 3-4 days. If there is no risk of infection, it can heal in about a week. The wounds left behind can be divided into the following categories:
The first is that the fetal presenting part presses the perineum for a long time, causing damage to the vaginal tissue of the mother.
This type of wound is usually not very large and is relatively simple to treat. It usually only requires a small stitch and will heal on its own over time.
The second type is vaginal laceration.
This type of wound is mostly caused by rapid labor or improper force during labor. Compared with the first type of wound, it is more serious, longer and larger. Clinically, it is often divided into first, second or third degree lacerations depending on the size of the laceration and the damaged tissue.
The third type is the wound left by episiotomy.
Episiotomy is a minor operation performed by doctors to avoid severe perineal tearing due to long perineum, perineal inflammation, poor perineal elasticity, etc. If the wound is not properly treated after delivery, it is likely to cause postpartum infection, increase recovery time, and affect the health of the mother.
Natural childbirth (Natural Delivery) wound healing time
※ Small wound:
Because the perineum is rich in blood vessels, the blood circulation is good, and the blood flow is sufficient, the wound has a strong ability to heal. Generally speaking, less serious perineal wounds will not hurt in 3-4 days.
※Severe wounds:
If the wound is not infected, the epidermis of a severe perineal wound can heal in about a week.
※Scar recovery:
Generally, perineal wounds will become red scars in about a year and a half, feel hard, and itch on cloudy and rainy days. This is due to chronic inflammation during the wound healing process, which is a natural phenomenon. After a year and a half, it will basically become a soft white scar. However, the healing of the wound will vary from person to person, and the time may be long or short.
Natural childbirth (Natural Delivery) wound healing time
1. Keep the perineum clean and dry
※Daily habits:
Develop good personal hygiene habits and keep the perineum clean and dry: the towel used to wipe the perineum should be separated from other towels, and pay attention to changing underwear and sanitary napkins frequently; when blood or body fluids penetrate underwear, remember to change them in time to prevent infection.
※Rinse the vulva:
▸ Rinse the vulva at least twice a day, either with iodine-containing water or warm water. The best effect is achieved with running water. Be careful not to over-wash to avoid disrupting the balance of the vaginal area.
▸Flush additionally after using the toilet, and follow the “front→back” principle when flushing to prevent contamination from dirt such as feces.
▸ Use a clean special towel to wipe off the water and keep the area dry
2. Wound protection measures
※Body position management:
After an episiotomy, mothers should pay attention to shifting their center of gravity to the opposite side of the episiotomy when sleeping or sitting. This can prevent lochia from flowing into the wound and causing infection, avoid squeezing the wound, and speed up wound healing.
※Defecation management:
After childbirth, you should maintain bowel movements and move as soon as possible to prevent constipation. When going to the toilet, you can first tighten the perineum and buttocks, and then sit down slowly; if constipation occurs, you can temporarily use a suppository to assist, and do not use brute force.
※Anal contraction exercise
Do more anal contraction exercises, which can not only help promote the contraction of the sphincter, but also help restore the tightness of the vagina as soon as possible.
3. Pay attention to wounds
Keep an eye on the wound until 2 weeks after delivery.
▸If you feel pain in the wound, you need to check whether the wound is red, swollen, cracked, bleeding, or pus. This is likely to be a wound infection and you need to see a doctor immediately;
▸If you find a small pustule on the wound, it may be that the absorption of the suture is blocked. Please go to the hospital in time to remove the suture to help the wound heal.
