Discomfort and pain of many kinds can be loyal companions during the postpartum period. One such kind is the perineal pain or soreness, the perineum being the region between the urethra (tubular structure that carries urine from bladder) and the anus, and includes the vaginal region. This area undergoes tremendous stress and strain during the labor process, naturally or with an episiotomy (surgical widening of the perineal area to facilitate delivery) to accommodate the baby’s body.
The natural tears during a vaginal birth or the cut during an episiotomy can cause pain to the mother postpartum and may be accompanied by swelling or blood pooling under the skin (hematoma) or around the sutures. The deeper the cut, the more the time required for healing. This swelling in the perineal region may make urinating or excretion difficult and require the use of a catheter. The tears heal naturally and the stitches dissolve on their own, though they may cause pain in the initial days. Pain can also be caused due to hemorrhoids (enlarged veins in the perineal region) which may be accompanied by rectal bleeding.
The recovery can last anywhere from a week, up to six to eight weeks, though any pain beyond that time, or very severe, accompanied with heavy bleeding may require medical attention as soon as it happens.
Medical Attention May Be Required If There Is –
Foul-smelling discharge from the vagina or pain during urinating.
Pain in the abdomen, pelvis or perineum.
Sudden high fever accompanied with nausea or vomiting.
Blistering, bleeding or pus formation around the incisions and cuts.
Some Helpful Measures May Be -
Complete rest is essential to speed up the process of healing as well as to avoid worsening the situation due to movement, friction or heat generated by these.
It is advised to keep the perineal region clean and dry all the time to aid the healing process and also to avoid any chances of infection.
Cooling the area by using ice packs or soaking in cold water can be useful to relieve pain and swelling.
Pain killers can be taken, though only after consultation with a doctor and if there is no past history of allergy to them, since the chemicals within may affect the breastfeeding process.
It is also wise to avoid sexual intercourse, until the perineal pain reduces and the wounds heal.
Avoid sitting for a long time. As the pain builds up, walking and moving around a little will help increase blood circulation to the area and help the healing process.
Kegel exercises, to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles may also help once the pain is under control.
Proper care and pain management can help deal with the pain, and not let it escalate into heavy blood loss due to rectal bleeding or a hypovolemic shock which can also be fatal.
